Class 

Book 

Copyright^ . 



CORfRIGHT DEPOSIT: 



THE ADULT 
BIBLE CLASS 



ITS ORGANIZATION AND WORK 



By W. C. PEARGE 

Superintendent of the Adult Department of 
the International Sunday - School Association 




PHILADELPHIA 
THE WESTMINSTER PRESS 
1912 



Copyright, 1908, by 
W. C. Pearce 
Revised Edition, Copyright, 1912 



£CLA31691I 

1M I 



c4 • 



Q y 



CONTENTS 



I. The Adult Bible Class Movement 9 

II. Class Organization 14 

III. How to Organize 25 

IV. The Class Constitution 35 

V. Duties of Class Officers and Committees 40 

VI. Class Meetings 46 

VII. Class Activities 55 

VIII. Inter-Class Activities 79 

IX. Appendix — Samples of Printed Matter 87 



INTRODUCTION 



As I read the manuscript of this book one word 
impressed itself upon me more and more with each 
succeeding chapter until, when I had finished, it 
was indelibly fixed in my mind — and that word 
was "practical." 

This is a practical book ; it is written by a prac- 
tical man who has studied the problems of the 
Adult Department probably more than any other 
man in the country. It has been worked out in the 
laboratory of personal experience and wide obser- 
vation. 

No department of Sunday-school work is receiv- 
ing more attention to-day than the department 
made up of men and women. Classes are being 
formed and organized by the hundreds. Many 
more would organize if they knew how. This book 
will tell them. There is not a superfluous sugges- 
tion in it. Any class anywhere can effect a perma- 
nent and efficient organization by following out 
the plans and suggestions made here. 

The Adult Department is and should be the back- 
bone of every Sunday school, giving it dignity, 
force and character. The Adult Department si- 
lences the sneer of some that "the Sunday school 
is for women and children." The Adult Depart- 
ment is solving many of the problems, not only 
of the school itself but also of the church. 

I can conceive of no phase of the work which can 

7 



8 



Introduction 



arise for consideration that is not here considered 
and treated in a helpful way. The author is devot- 
ing his life to this work, and all who desire infor- 
mation will do well to read what he has said and 
follow in the path he marks out. This is not a book 
for the shelf, but for the work table, and that is 
where it will be found. It is a "Manual of Meth- 
ods," and will be consulted by those who are in- 
terested in the Adult Department, as a student 
consults his dictionary. 

I predict for the book, as it is launched upon 
the great sea of books, that it will have a long, safe 
and prosperous voyage, and will not cast anchor 
for many a year. 

Marion Lawrance. 



I 



THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS MOVEMENT 

For a great many years the adult Bible class has 
been a part of most Sunday schools in America, but 
it has been in recent years only that a more general 
interest has been awakened. It is difficult accu- 
rately to describe the development of this particular 
department of the Sunday school, but the following 
steps may be mentioned as important and decisive : 

Experimentation. — For many years the Sunday- 
school leaders keenly felt the need of enlisting 
men and women in Sunday-school work. They 
knew that if these could be won, the problems 
of home study and of holding "the big boys and 
girls' ' would, in a large measure, be solved. The 
endeavor to meet this need led to much agitation 
and discussion in conventions and church gather- 
ings, and to considerable experimenting in the 
various Sunday schools throughout the entire con- 
tinent. It would be impossible to chronicle the 
successes and the failures which attended these 
many experiments, but it is due to those who have 
thus labored to say that the present activity is 
chiefly the result of their faithful efforts. 

Class Organization. — It is impossible to give the 
date of the organization of the first adult Bible 
class. There is information of a class organized in 

9 



10 



The Adult Bible Class 



1869. Under various names, and according to 
many plans, classes have been organized in all parts 
of the field. 

The present awakening in adult Bible class work 
is largely due to the general adoption of the plan of 
class organization. It is the universal testimony 
that, immediately following organization, the class 
begins to grow. Within the last few years the or- 
ganized classes have had a remarkable growth, 
many reaching a membership of hundreds, and 
some of nearly a thousand. It is not strange there- 
fore that church leaders everywhere should begin 
to adapt, or adopt, the plans which have been so 
fruitful of success. 

Conferences and Conventions. — The multipli- 
cation and growth of these classes have presented 
many new problems. Conferences for the exchange 
of plans and methods have been imperatively called 
for, and the inspiration and help there received 
have enabled earnest attendants to promote the 
work in their own schools. Among the notable 
conferences and conventions which have been held 
are: the Adult Department sessions of the Inter- 
national Conventions held in Toronto, Louisville 
and San Francisco, the annual conventions of the 
various states and provinces and the International 
Conferences for Adult Department workers held 
at Lake Geneva, Wis., Pocono Pines, Pa., and 
Toronto, Ontario. 

Adult Department Organization for Associa- 
tions. — State departments were first organized in 



The Adult Bible Class Movement 11 



New York and Illinois. In Chicago, in 1902, at 
the Cook County Convention, the Illinois work 
was begun, one session of the convention being 
devoted to adult Bible class work. Two hundred 
representatives of about forty men's classes were 
in attendance. It was decided to organize an Adult 
Department, and so include the work of all adult 
Bible classes, both of men and women. Almost si- 
multaneously the work developed in New York, and 
the plan has since spread to other cities and states. 

International Organization. — At Toronto, in 
1905, the International Sunday-School Association, 
for the first time, devoted a session to the work of 
adult Bible classes. As a result of the intense in- 
terest manifested the following resolution was 
adopted : 

We recommend that the International Executive Com- 
mittee appoint a special committee of five or seven, to be 
known as the Adult Department Committee. That at least 
the chairman of this committee shall be a member of the 
International Executive Committee. That the work of said 
committee shall be to devise plans for the improvement and 
extension of adult Bible class work in connection with the 
Sunday schools of North America, and that they have power 
to act only in so far as they receive instructions from the 
International Executive Committee. 

An Adult Department Committee was appointed 
in accordance with this resolution and the work was 
placed in their charge. 

At the annual meeting of the International Ex- 
ecutive Committee, in 1906, it was voted to create 
an International Adult Department and as soon as 



12 



The Adult Bible Class 



funds were available to employ an Adult Depart- 
ment superintendent. In January, 1907, the first 
International Adult Department superintendent 
was appointed. 

Literature.— Much of the rapid growth in this 
department is due to the sympathy and help of the 
publishers, several of whom are issuing magazines 
in the special interest of adult Bible classes. Most 
of those who have not published special maga- 
zines are devoting large space in their regular 
publications to this department of work. Many of 
the associations have issued special leaflets. The 
International Sunday-School Association has issued 
four leaflets specially for this department of work : 
No. 1, on "Adult Bible Class Federations"; No. 
2, on "The Organized Class"; No. 3, on "The 
Organized Class at Work," and No. 4, on "One 
Hundred Things One Hundred Classes are Doing. ' 9 
Tens of thousands of these leaflets have been dis- 
tributed. 

The reports received from all parts of the field 
indicate a rapidly increasing interest, evidenced by 
the multiplication of new classes and a large growth 
in the membership of old classes. Concrete in- 
stances of success are numerous. They represent 
every part of the field, and are found in country, 
village, town and city, thus plainly showing that 
the organized adult Bible class and its methods of 
work are applicable to every Sunday school. 

Intense practical Bible study and aggressive 
world-wide evangelism are the strongest, most 



The Adult Bible Class Movement 13 



significant and most hopeful impulses of this great 
movement. It bids fair to enlist the boundless 
energy of young men and young women as never 
before in the work of "taking the open word of 
God, by the hand of a living, competent teacher, 
to every man, woman and child of the world. ' ' 



II 



CLASS ORGANIZATION 

ITS ADVANTAGES 

1. It Divides the Work. — In the unorganized 
class the teacher is expected to do everything. He 
keeps the records, takes up the offering, conducts 
all business of the class and teaches the lesson. If 
there are any sick, he alone is responsible for visit- 
ing them. If any new methods or plans of work 
are introduced, he must introduce them. In the 
organized class these various duties and responsi- 
bilities are shared with the members of the class. 
The wisdom in the old adage, "What's everybody's 
business is nobody 's business, ' ' is heeded, and every 
member is given some definite duty to perform. 
Without this definite assignment of work the mem- 
bers of the class will not take upon themselves the 
various responsibilities and activities. By means 
of organization the work is divided, more is accom- 
plished, more workers are enlisted and a deeper 
interest is kindled in the hearts of all. 

2. It Develops Workers. — One of the greatest 
needs of the church is a competent corps of trained 
personal workers. One of the strongest impulses 
in the heart of every disciple of Christ is a desire to 
lead men to a saving knowledge of their Lord. 
Many a Christian has become discouraged in his 
first efforts to do personal work through failures 

14 



Class Organization 



15 



which might have been avoided had he been wisely 
guided and properly trained. The organized class 
greatly helps to meet this need for guidance and 
training. For instance, a young man who is a pro- 
fessing Christian but who has not been active in 
Christian service joins an organized adult Bible 
class. He is assigned a definite work within his 
ability to perform. He is not at once requested to 
bring some one to Christ, but is asked to serve on 
the Membership Committee. The work of securing 
new members for the class he is able and willing to 
do. Especially is this true when others are asso- 
ciated with him in doing the same work. In carry- 
ing out his duties on this committee he both dis- 
covers and increases his ability to deal with men. 
Later he is appointed a member of the Visitation 
Committee. The work of this committee takes him 
into the sick room and to places of need, where he 
learns and develops his power to comfort and help 
those in trouble. Still later he is asked to serve as 
a member of the Devotional Committee and is re- 
quired to share in the responsibility of the spiritual 
interests of the class. He learns to unite with 
others in prayer for the unconverted members of 
the class, and begins to experience the joy of lead- 
ing men to Christ. Gradually by these experiences 
he gains confidence in his ability to do personal 
soul-winning work. 

3. It Gives Permanency to the Work. — The dif- 
ference between a modern business house and the 
auctioneer upon the street corner is largely one of 



16 



The Adult Bible Class 



organization. A crowd may be held together for a 
short time by the genial personality and the inter- 
esting wares of the auctioneer. However, when he 
moves on the crowd disperses. In the modern 
business house everything is so thoroughly organ- 
ized that the head of the firm may spend much of 
his time abroad or retire from active service, and 
the business will continue without injury or loss. 

The class which 5 is held together merely by the 
personality and genius of the teacher is in danger 
of being disbanded should the teacher be removed. 
In the organized class this danger is removed, for 
the class has learned to share in the responsibility 
of the class work, and to think of it as "our" class 
and not "the teacher's" class. Accordingly, if the 
teacher should be removed every effort will be put 
forth by the class, itself, to secure another teacher. 
By contrasting the work of "Wesley and Whitfield 
we have a striking illustration of the value of organ- 
ization. It would be difficult to determine which 
of these two men was the greater preacher. Wesley 
organized his forces; Whitfield did not. To-day 
the results of Wesley's work are to be found every- 
where, while the results of Whitfield's work would 
be difficult to discover. 

4. It Gives Strength to the Class.— All of us 

are stronger than some of us. All of us are wiser 
than some of us. The class which has the greatest 
strength is the class which, through organization, 
has learned to work as one man. In these days 
"teamwork" is highly valued. By this is meant 



Class Organization 



17 



that each one in a group is assigned to the task for 
which he has most ability. The weakness of one 
is thus supplemented by the strength of another, 
and the strength of the whole becomes equivalent 
to the combined strength of the best abilities of all. 
In the organized class, "teamwork" is just as valu- 
able as in any other experience in life. When 
every member is given a voice in the class manage- 
ment and is made to share in all class activities, the 
class will become a force at work, instead of a field 
for work. 

5. It Increases the Class Membership. — Men 

for men, and women for women, is the key to suc- 
cess in building up the class membership. If a 
pastor or teacher invites anyone to unite with the 
class the invitation may be appreciated, but in a 
greater or less degree it will be looked upon as 
professional. When business men invite business 
men it cannot be so regarded. Then, again, it must 
be admitted that the business man has a special 
and peculiar influence over other business men. 

Practical experience has demonstrated the effi- 
cacy of sending a number of men after one man 
or a number of women after one woman. 

6. It Promotes Fellowship. — In speaking on 
this subject, Dr. John Earl, teacher of the Haynes 
Bible Class in the Belden Avenue Baptist Church, 
Chicago, says, "I believe there has been no agency 
so important in building up the fellowship of our 
church as the adult Bible classes." This larger fel- 



18 



The Adult Bible Class 



lowship is chiefly the result of what men and 
women have been able to do for each other through 
their various class activities. Speaking of the 
activities of his own class, Dr. Earl says: "We 
locate men and women in Christian homes, or in 
private boarding houses. We have an employment 
bureau which is at the disposal of any who may 
wish to secure work or workers. We are inaugu- 
rating what is known as the 'sick benefit.' Fifty 
men are asked to pay a penny a day — three hun- 
dred and sixty-five cents a year — and a near-by 
hospital has agreed to take care of any of the class 
who may be in need of medical attention. " 

In the organized class the class spirit is fully de- 
veloped. Every member learns to feel for the class, 
to think for the class and to work for the best inter- 
ests of the class. No member is permitted to lose 
heart in time of sickness or trouble because there is 
no one to whom he can go for sympathy and help. 
There can be no better atmosphere for the develop- 
ment of Christian fellowship than that produced by 
such a manifestation of brotherly love. 

7. It Provides a Basis for an Adequate Serv- 
ice Program. — The machinery necessary to win and 
hold men and women to the Bible class can be used 
to do all kinds of Christian work. The Bible is 
the dynamic of all benevolent, philanthropic and 
missionary service. It is therefore vital that the 
institution which makes Bible study its chief ob- 
jective should have the organization that provides 
a service program. 



Class Organization 



19 



ESSENTIALS OF SUCCESS 

Notwithstanding these advantages, we find those 
who question the wisdom of class organization. 
They express the fear that the class spirit may 
grow into a selfish spirit; that the strength of the 
class may encourage an independence of action 
which will, in the end, weaken both the school and 
the church. There is power in class organization, 
and power is always dangerous unless wisely di- 
rected. This danger may be easily avoided if the 
leaders of both the church and the school become 
sympathetic and intelligent leaders in the adult 
Bible class work and faithfully observe certain fun- 
damental rules which practically assure success. 

1. The Class Should from the Beginning Rec- 
ognize the Authority of the Church in all Mat- 
ters. — It should regard itself as a part of the church. 
The advantages which this relationship brings to 
the class are quite evident. God has put his seal 
of approval upon the church. The local church is 
the unit of organized Christian activity. Every 
movement for the extension of the kingdom of 
Christ has emanated from some local congregation 
and has been guided by many of these units. Then, 
too, these congregations or units of Christian activ- 
ity are scattered everywhere, and are accordingly 
near to the people who need to be reached and 
helped. Most men and women are chiefly inter- 
ested in the congregation to which they belong, and 
anything connected w T ith this interest receives their 
cordial support. Thus any activity which is a part 



20 



The Adult Bible Class 



of their own church secures their cooperation and 
insures its permanency and success. It gives to 
the class its widest field of usefulness by putting 
it into close touch with all church activities, and it 
also conserves the results of all class work by merg- 
ing them into the church life. 

2. The Class Should Be a Vital Part of the 
Sunday School. — It should not be an independent 
movement, but an effort to interest men and women 
in Bible study in connection with the Sunday 
school. This relationship brings to the class many 
advantages. It is not required to make a place for 
itself in the machinery of the church. The Sunday 
school has right of way ; it has an hour at which to 
meet ; it has a name ; it has a purpose ; it has an 
organization; it has the confidence of the people, 
and every well-directed effort toward its improve- 
ment receives their sympathy and support. It 
also gives to the class a large field of activity, and 
doing things worth while is a requisite in holding 
men and women. It brings to the class a touch of 
home life. It is a great advantage to men and 
women to be brought into fellowship with the boys 
and girls, and the presence of the men and women 
is just as helpful to the boys and girls. The fact 
that their influence is counting for God and right- 
eousness is an encouragement to the men and 
women. 

3. The Class Should Have a Complete Organ- 
ization. — Unless this is secured the best results 
cannot be attained. The highest success of the 



Class Organization 



21 



organized class depends upon the division of labor 
and the introduction of different kinds of class 
work. The number of officers to be elected and 
the number of committees to be appointed must be 
determined by the size of the class and the needs 
of the community. The machinery must not be 
cumbersome but thoroughly efficient. The stand- 
ard of organization adopted by the International 
Sunday-School Association requires at least five 
officers: teacher, president, vice president, secre- 
tary and treasurer; and three committees: (1) 
Membership, (2) Social, (3) Devotional-Mission- 
ary. This standard was erected after a careful 
study of the experiences of many classes, and rep- 
resents the minimum in division of labor and kinds 
of activities which may be expected to bring good 
results. Until a class is able to choose these offi- 
cers and committees it should consider its organi- 
zation as only partial, and persistent effort should 
be made to enlarge the membership and widen the 
activities until the organization has been completed. 

4. Official Responsibility Should be Developed. 

— Many classes fail partly or wholly because after 
organization they continue to do the class work 
just as before organization. They are like the 
story of the boy who stood on the corner and called 
out : ' ' Hot mutton pies ! Hot mutton pies ! ' ' A 
passer-by purchased one, and when he began to eat 
it found that it was neither mutton pie nor hot pie. 
The purchaser returned to the boy and said: *'You 
cheated me. This pie is neither mutton pie nor hot 



22 



The Adult Bible Class 



pie, and yet you called it hot mutton pie." The 
boy replied, "Oh, that's just the name of the pie." 
A Bible class may be organized in name only. 

When officers are chosen and committees are 
appointed they should be given a definite work to 
do. The teacher or other leaders may counsel and 
help in many ways, but the responsibility should 
be borne by those in charge of the work. Often 
the work may not be done so well at first as if the 
teacher had done it. The little child cannot at 
first walk so surely as its parents, but they would 
be foolish parents who would, on this account, 
continue to carry the child. They prefer to permit 
him to get many a fall, but are always near to give 
encouragement and help. From the very begin- 
ning the child is exhilarated by his attempt to walk 
alone, and by being permitted to walk he soon can 
do it as well or even better than his parents. It 
will be just as true of newly elected class officers. 
They will know from the very beginning whether 
it is the plan to let them do their own work and 
hold them responsible for results. If it is, they 
will heartily respond, soon they will enjoy their 
work and rapidly develop into strong and com- 
petent workmen. 

5. The Class Should Be a Bible Class.— There is 
no book so interesting as the Bible. The adult 
classes of the continent which have had large and 
continued success are those which emphasize the 
earnest, practical study of the Scriptures. Here 
and there is found the wreck of a class that has 



Class Organization 



23 



undertaken to substitute other things for the teach- 
ing of God's word. The Old Book has not lost 
its power, and where it is faithfully studied and 
helpfully applied to the everyday life of men and 
women, there we find the largest class memberships. 
No discussion of class business should be allowed to 
crowd or interrupt the lesson, and no substitution 
should be made for a study of the regular Bible 
lesson of the day. We have only fifty-two meetings 
a year for Bible study. Perhaps not more than 
thirty minutes, on the average, are strictly devoted 
to Bible study at each of these meetings. Only 
twenty-six hours a year! This limited and there- 
fore precious time should be jealously guarded by 
everyone who loves the Book and wishes to evan- 
gelize the world. 

6. The Class Should Provide an Adequate 
Christian Service for Every Member. — ' 6 It is more 
blessed to give than to receive." This refers to 
service as much as it does to money. The man 
who is led to do the most for his church experiences 
this blessing and has the largest interest in the 
church. Men like to do things that are worth 
while. They are interested and moved to action 
when a worthy work is placed before them that 
requires great effort and sacrifice. Thousands of 
men have willingly left the comforts of home and 
the companionship of loved ones and entered upon 
a life of hardship, sleeping on the cold earth, under 
the open sky, living on poor food and enduring all 
the trials of a soldier's life because they have heard 



24 



The Adult Bible Class 



the call of a worthy cause. Countless women have 
as willingly given up their husbands, sons and 
brothers, remaining at home with heavy hearts, 
because they, too, have heard and heeded the call. 
In recognition of this quality in the hearts of all 
men and women, the organized class movement has 
issued its call to a higher, better and larger Chris- 
tian service. The rapid growth of adult classes is 
an evidence of the heartiness with which this call 
has been, and will continue to be, received. "The 
world for Christ and the church" should be the 
watchword of these classes. No fainter call will 
reach men and women ; no small service will satisfy 
them. 



Ill 



HOW TO ORGANIZE 

Cultivate Atmosphere. — It is a mistake to organ- 
ize any adult class before its members understand, 
and heartily approve, the new plan of work. One 
might as well plant garden seeds in frozen soil. 
The organized class is an ideal democracy, and 
therefore every participant should be both intelli- 
gent and sympathetic, if the largest success is to 
be achieved. Literature should be secured, and 
should be given to those who are to be invited to 
join the class. A careful and thorough study 
should be made of the plans and methods of the 
organized class. Much depends on the thorough- 
ness of this study, and the impression it makes. 

Enlist Key Men and Women. — A knowledge of 
any community or congregation enables one to 
select easily the young men or young women whom 
others will follow. It is wise to approach such 
persons first, and seek to win others through them. 
Sometimes these leaders may be found already in 
the Sunday school. Often they are to be found 
outside. It is profitable to be patient and per- 
sistent in the enlistment of real leaders at the 
very beginning. A good start gives promise of 
victory. 

Organize Existing Classes. — Nearly every Sun- 
day school has one or more adult classes that are 

25 



26 



The Adult Bible Class 



not organized. Invite the leaders of these classes 
to a conference and explain to them the value and 
purpose of class organization. Give them some con- 
crete examples of classes that have received large 
benefits through organization. When the leaders 
have been interested, they will secure the coopera- 
tion of the entire class membership. Invite the 
members to meet by classes. If practicable, have 
speakers engaged who have had large experience 
in the work and will be able to impart enthusiasm 
to all who are present. Have on hand printed 
material with suggestions as to plans of organiza- 
tion and methods of work. 

Enlist New Members. — A careful canvass of 
the entire neighborhood should be made. From 
this canvass carefully prepare a list of names of 
all those who should be interested in Bible study 
and who might be secured as members of an adult 
class. If there is more than one adult class in the 
school, divide this list of names into groups and 
assign one group to each class. Invite all whose 
names are included on the list to attend a con- 
ference where the matter of organizing a class will 
be discussed. Present to them in an attractive 
way the advantages of organization for men and 
women. Sometimes, in this way, new classes may 
be started from entirely new material. 

Division of Classes. — In some cases it has been 
found wise to begin by inviting a few men and a 
few women, who have been members of a mixed 
class or unorganized classes, to meet at some con r 



How to Organize 



27 



venient time, and with their cooperation start two 
classes, one for men and the other for women. It 
has been found that numbers of men and women 
are not usually as easily reached in a mixed class 
as in separate classes. It is not urged that mixed 
classes be discontinued, but it has been found wise 
to build up in every Sunday school a men's class 
and a women's class. This can be done without 
embarrassing or hindering in any way the work 
of any existing mixed class. 

Charter Membership Plan. — This plan provides 
four definite steps in the organization of an adult 
class: (1) The holding of an organization con- 
ference with those who have been chosen as lead- 
ers, and those whom they may invite. At such a 
conference a careful review may be made of the 
plans proposed. (2) The preparation of a pros- 
pective membership list. This list should include 
the names of those whom the leaders think should 
be, and possibly could be, won to the class about 
to be organized. The placing of a name on this list 
should be equivalent to a covenant on the part of 
all participating that they will use every legitimate 
means to win that one to the class. In making this 
list it should be kept in mind that we are com- 
manded to "go out into the highways and hedges, 
and constrain them to come in." (3) The appoint- 
ment of a time and place for permanent organiza- 
tion. It is unwise to fix this time too near the 
elate of the preliminary organization conference; 
neither is it well to appoint a time too far removed. 



28 



The Adult Bible Class 



From four to six weeks after the date of the organ- 
ization conference is suggested. A week night 
should be chosen, and the best place is the church 
where the class will meet regularly. (4) The con- 
ducting of an enthusiastic and systematic canvass 
for charter members. Everyone on the prospective 
membership list should be sought definitely, and 
many others also. The date for forming the per- 
manent organization should be announced fre- 
quently, and it should be made clear that only 
those who join the class before organization can 
become charter members. When this plan is fol- 
lowed, this form of application may be used: 



I wish to become a member of an adult Bible 
class to be organized as may be agreed upon by the 
members, each member to have a voice in the con- 
duct of the class; the class to be a part of the 
Sunday school and its objects to be Bible study, 
mutual helpfulness and an adequate Christian serv- 
ice for every member. 

All applicants for chapter membership will be 
duly notified as to the time and place of organi- 
zation. 



Name 



Address 



Signed at request of 



When the date appointed for the completion of 
the class organization arrives, make much of the 



How to Organize 



29 



meeting. Be sure that a definite plan of organi- 
zation is ready to present. Have in mind those 
who will make efficient officers, and provide for the 
appointment of such committees as are necessary 
to insure success. Many classes find it exceedingly 
helpful to close this campaign with a banquet; at 
this time permanent organization is effected. 

The Standard of Organization. — The standard 
referred to in the previous chapter has been tested 
many times, and will give to any class a working 
organization. In full this standard is as follows: 

1. The class shall be definitely connected with some Sun- 
day school. 

2. The class shall have the following officers: teacher, 
president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. It shall 
also have at least three standing committees, as follows: 
(1) Membership; (2) Devotional-Missionary; (3) Social. 
It is not required that these committees be known by these 
particular names, but that the class shall have three com- 
mittees which are responsible for these three kinds of work. 

3. The class shall consist of members who are twenty 
years of age or over. 

Certificate of Recognition. — For the encourage- 
ment of classes which attain the foregoing standard 
of organization, the International Sunday-School 
Association has prepared a beautifully lithographed 
certificate of recognition, to be given through the 
various state and provincial associations upon the 
receipt of an application blank properly filled out 
and the small fee required. 

The advantages of enrollment and the securing 
of this certificate are varied. It helps to advertise 



The Adult Bible Class 




How to Organize 



31 



the organized class idea to all visitors, and it aids 
in establishing a permanent and effective plan of 
class organization; it is an expression of loyalty 
to the Organized Adult Bible Class Movement; it 
is an indication that the class is willing to stand 
up and be counted as a part of the Adult Bible 
Class Movement; it will bring the class into a 
helpful fellowship with the other organized classes 
of its community and of North America. No class 
should think it can have the best success while 
working alone ; it will give to the class an oppor- 
tunity to help others — when a class has been very 
successful its testimony should be given every- 
where; it is a tremendous stimulus to world-wide 
evangelization to know that there are so many 
classes of men and women being organized in con- 
nection with the church and Sunday school around 
the word of God and ready for Christian service; 
it brings the class into vital touch with its own 
denomination and with the county and state asso- 
ciations, making it possible for them to keep the 
class advised regarding conventions and new pub- 
lications; it is an open declaration that the class 
desires to be counted as a loyal factor in winning 
the world to the Man of Galilee. 

The Teacher. — In selecting a teacher for an or- 
ganized class, the rules of the church and the 
school should be recognized. It is essential that 
the best teacher who can be secured be placed in 
charge of such a class. The teaching of the word 
of God is the magnet of power in every adult class. 



32 The Adult Bible Class 



While no ironclad rule can be laid down, it is 
usually best to secure a man to teach men and a 
woman to teach women. 

Class Names and Mottoes. — There are many 
different names given to adult classes. Many seek 
names from the word of God, such as Baraca, 
Berean, Daughters of Ruth, Bethel, Bethany, etc. 
Others are named after the great church leaders or 
movements: Wesleyan, Westminster, Brotherhood, 
Knox, etc. Some take the letters of the Greek 
alphabet : Delta Alpha, Phi Delta, while others use 
the letters of the English alphabet, such as Class 
"C" or "D." Still others choose names that indi- 
cate service: Yoke Bearers, Yokefellows, Friendly 
Helpers. Again, there are those who prefer class 
numbers, holding that this plan indicates that the 
class is a part of the school. The following list of 
names taken from the field may be suggestive: 

For Men's Classes: Baraca, Manitoba, Pathfinders, 
Trailers, The Eangers, Soul Winners, New Era, W. N. (Who 
Next), Pilgrims, Twentieth Century, We Boys, Knights of 
Baraca, Tri Mu's (three M's — Morals, Mind, Muscle), 
Fraternity, Veritas, The Eegulars, Friendly Volunteers, Ox- 
ford, Collegiate, Onward, Overcomers, Tower, Philo Christos, 
Truth Seekers, Agoga, King's Sons, Sentinel, Vires, Defend- 
ers, Moody, Sons of Luther, Sons of Aaron, Win One, Vic- 
tors, Loyal Sons, The J. O. C. (Jesus Our Companion). 

For Women 's Classes: Advance, Besai, Arnica Veritas, 
Crusaders, Amity, Builders, Steadfast, Daughters of Wesley, 
Delta Epsilon, Whosoever, Phi Delta, Merry Workers, Phila- 
thea, Daughters of Zion, Priscillas, True Blue, Bible Search- 
ers, Dorcas, Helping Hand, Century, Queen Esther, Faith, 
Protheon (For God). 



How to Organize 



33 



For Mixed Classes: Unity, Mizpah, Excelsior, Willing 
Workers, Burden Bearers, King's Command, Progressive, 
Berea, Philomathean, Conquest, Busy People, Boethian 
(Helpful), Friendship, Altruist. 

Most of the names for mixed classes could be ap- 
propriately given to either men's classes or women's 
classes. 

A class motto will do much to keep the chief pur- 
pose of the class in mind. It has also proven a 
great help in realizing that purpose. The motto 
should therefore be carefully chosen. The follow- 
ing have been adopted by different classes : ' ' We 're 
in the King's Business"; "The Other Fellow"; 
"We Do Things"; "For Christ and His King- 
dom"; "The World for Christ"; "Every Man 
Up"; "The World Is Our Field"; "Search the 
Scriptures"; "To Serve"; "The Best Ever"; 
1 1 We Mean Business " ; "A Square Deal " ; " Bring 
a Brother"; "Win One"; "Quit you like men, 
be strong" (I Cor. 16:13) ; "I can do all things 
in him that strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13); 
"Help whoever, whenever you can; man forever 
needs aid from man. ' ' 

Class Pins and Emblems. — It is not necessary 
to discuss at any length the value of class pins or 
emblems. Their general use by numerous organiza- 
tions gives evidence of this value. They serve as a 
means of introducing one to another, thus encour- 
aging the class spirit; they are also valuable as 
a means of advertising the class and its work. 
Again, they frequently cause outsiders to inquire 



34 



The Adult Bible Class 



as to their meaning, and this opens the way for a 
personal invitation to attend the class. 

The International Association, realizing the value 
of an emblem, has adopted a small red pin with a 
pure white center as the emblem representing the 
general organized adult Bible class movement. Its 
significance is, " There is no purity of life without 
sacrifice and no cleansing from sin without the 
shedding of blood. " Heb. 9:22. This emblem 
may be worn by any class, and will not conflict 
with their own class pin. Their class name or 
initials may be printed upon this emblem. It has 
proven a means of introducing members of various 
classes who might meet as they travel, and it is 
serving the purpose of generally advertising the 
adult Bible class movement. It is also becoming 
a continent-wide bond of fellowship between the 
Bible classes of all forms of class organization and 
of all denominations. 



IV 



THE CLASS CONSTITUTION 

The advantages of a constitution are at least 
threefold. It sets forth clearly the plan of class 
organization ; it serves as a guide to newly elected 
officers and committees ; it gives permanency to the 
class policy and plans. The fact that some few 
classes have been able to do successful work with- 
out adopting a constitution merely helps to prove 
the rule by the exceptions. Even in these few 
classes they have doubtless a well-fixed policy which 
is a sort of unwritten constitution. 

A few general observations may be made con- 
cerning a class constitution. It should be brief and 
simple ; it should be general and give such latitude 
as will permit the class to meet new conditions 
which may arise without too frequently having to 
change the constitution. 

In preparing the suggestive constitution which 
follows, constitutions of many of the most success- 
ful classes of the country, village, town and city 
were collected and carefully studied. This consti- 
tution was then written and submitted to most 
experienced leaders, both through correspondence 
and through personal conference. The changes 
suggested by these leaders were incorporated, a 
new draft was made and it was resubmitted for 
review. It was then adopted by the Adult Division 
Committee of the International Sunday-School 

35 



36 



The Adult Bible Class 



Association. It is urged, however, that all classes 
adapt before they adopt. 

Article I— Name 

This class shall be called 

of the Sunday school, of 

Article II — Object 

The object of the class shall be Bible study, soul- 
winning, Christian culture, mutual helpfulness and 
the extension of Christ's kingdom throughout the 
world. 

Article III — Membership 

Any (man, woman, person) twenty years of age 
or over may become a member by attending the 
class and signifying a desire to join. 

Article IV — Officers 

The officers shall consist of a teacher, president, 
vice president, secretary and treasurer, who shall 
be elected annually by ballot and shall hold office 
until the next annual meeting after their election, 
or until their successors are chosen. (Where the 
church provides for the election of the teacher the 
church authority should be recognized.) 

Article V — Committees 

The following standing committees shall be ap- 
pointed : Membership, Devotional-Missionary, So- 
cial and such others as the work of the class shall 
demand. The officers of the class and the chairmen 



The Class Constitution 



37 



of all standing committees shall compose an Execu- 
tive Committee. The pastor of the church and the 
superintendent of the Sunday school are ex-officio 
members of the Executive Committee. 

Article VI — Meetings 

The class shall meet every Sunday for Bible 

study at (hour) in connection with the 

Sunday school. Business meetings shall be held 

at (hour) on the first. .* day of each 

(month, quarter). Special meetings may be called 
at any time by the president, teacher or any five 
members of the class, by giving notice to the class 
the Sunday previous to the proposed meeting. One 
fourth of the enrolled membership shall constitute 
a quorum for the transaction of business. 

Article VII — Duties of Officers and 
Committees 

Sec. 1. The teacher shall have charge of the 
lesson, and shall be ex-officio member of all com- 
mittees. Officers and committees must consult with 
the teacher on all subjects pertaining to the class 
work, and all committee appointments must have 
his approval. 

Sec. 2. The president shall preside on Sunday 
and at all meetings of the class, and shall be the 
general executive officer. The president shall be 
chairman of the Executive Committee, and ex-officio 
member of all committees. 

Sec. 3. The vice president shall, in the absence 
of the president, perform the duties belonging to 



38 



The Adult Bible Class 



the president's office, and shall render such other 
assistance as may be required by the president. 

Sec. 4. The secretary shall have charge of the 
records of the class, keep the minutes of all business 
meetings, and shall make all announcements. He 
shall make a record of the attendance of the mem- 
bers each Sunday, and report the same to the class 
and to the secretary of the Sunday school, as re- 
quired. 

Sec. 5. The treasurer shall have charge of all 
the moneys and shall pay them out as directed by 
the class, in harmony with the rules of the Sunday 
school. He shall report to the class as often as re- 
quired and also to the treasurer of the school each 
Sunday. 

Sec. 6. The Executive Committee shall have gen- 
eral supervision of all the class work. They shall 
devise ways and means of advancing the interests 
of the class and of increasing its attendance. 

Sec. 7. The Membership Committee shall be re- 
sponsible for securing new members, looking up 
absentees and the visitation of the sick. In the 
performance of their work they are responsible for 
devising methods and plans, and may call upon any 
member of the class for assistance. 

Sec. 8. The Devotional-Missionary Committee 
shall be responsible for the spiritual welfare and 
work of the class. 

Sec. 9. The Social Committee is responsible for 
greeting, welcoming and introducing new members 
and visitors. They shall also provide such socials 
and entertainments as the class may approve. 



The Class Constitution 



39 



Article VIII — Amendments 

This constitution may be amended at any reg- 
ular business meeting of the class by a two-thirds 
vote of the members present. Any motion to 
amend must lie on the table at least one month 
before final action is taken. 

By-Laws 

It seems impracticable to suggest by-laws because 
of the varied conditions in the different parts of the 
field. As the class work progresses it will be found 
necessary to enact rules concerning class manage- 
ment, benevolence, athletics, etc. 



V 



DUTIES OF CLASS OFFICERS AND 
COMMITTEES 

Officers 

The teacher is the chief officer of the class. He 
should be considered an ex-officio member of all 
committees, and no appointments should be made 
without his approval. His sympathies should be 
broad enough to enable him to be interested in all 
the class activities. He should at the same time 
refuse to assume the responsibility for every activ- 
ity, and avoid curtailing the initiative on the part 
of the class committees and other officers. His 
chief duty is to teach the word of Ood clearly, 
forcefully and helpfully. In this service he should 
seek to interest all in an individual study of the 
Bible. He should, so far as possible, himself use 
the Bible in class, and encourage its use on the 
part of others. He should constantly seek the con- 
version of the unconverted. He should not be 
satisfied with seed-sowing, but should be ever ready 
to thrust in the sickle and reap the golden har- 
vest. If the teacher is not zealous and wise in 
the work of soul-winning it will be difficult for the 
class to develop an evangelistic spirit. 

The teacher should do all kinds of pastoral work, 
such as visiting the sick, counseling those in need of 
a personal friend, comforting those in trouble and 
standing ready to assist in all class enterprises. It 

40 



Duties of Class Officers and Committees 41 

is his peculiar duty to see that the social, intellec- 
tual and spiritual interests of the class are kept in 
proper poise. If he finds that the social life is 
becoming uppermost and overshadowing the spirit- 
ual, then he should bend every energy to the 
spiritual work of the class and thus bring the 
work to its proper balance. 

The president is the chief executive officer of 
the class. Like the teacher, he should be an ex- 
officio member of every committee. He should be 
responsible for the appointment of the chairmen of 
the various committees. He should make a special 
study of each member in the class with the intent 
of discovering his talents and properly using them 
in an aggressive and united class work. He should 
constantly study the needs of the church, the Sun- 
day school, the community and the world, with 
the purpose of properly regulating the work of the 
class to meet these needs. He should be wise, intel- 
ligent and aggressive in his endeavor to widen the 
field of the class activities. He should see that all 
officers and committees do the work assigned to 
them. Whenever practicable he should meet with 
the class committees and thus keep informed as to 
what is being done and assist each committee to do 
the best work. He should be the teacher's chief 
counselor and supporter. He should preside at all 
business meetings of the class and during the class 
session on Sunday. He is responsible for the trans- 
action of all class business in a thoroughly business- 
like way. So far as possible he should see that all 
matters of business are cared for at the regular 



42 



The Adult Bible Class 



class business meetings, and that those items which 
must be cared for on Sunday do not trespass on 
the teaching period. 

The secretary is to the class what the secretary 
of state is to the government. It is within his 
province to furnish information that will guide the 
policies of the class and make effective the work of 
all other officers. He is responsible for all records 
and reports. 

His records must be accurate or they will be 
without value; they must be kept in permanent 
form or the experience of the class will be lost to 
the work of the future. He should keep a complete 
record of all business meetings as well as of the 
Sunday sessions, of all class socials and class meet- 
ings of any kind, including copy of any printed 
program, advertising material, etc. He should 
keep a record of all committees and carefully file 
copies of their reports. An individual record of 
each member of the class is of great value. This 
record should include attendance and any other 
facts which will help the class to realize the ideals 
toward which it is working. He should have a 
follow-up plan and insist that no member's name 
be dropped from the roll until every effort has been 
put forth to reclaim him. He should give letters 
of introduction, in the name of the class, to any 
member who may move to another place, and when- 
ever possible write a letter to some class located in 
the place to which the member has removed. A 
biographical record has been found most helpful 
and interesting by those who have kept it faith- 



Duties of Class Officers and Committees 43 

fully. This plan gives to each member a page in 
the ' ' Class J ournal ' ' and the secretary records the 
important events in his or her life, such as the dif- 
ferent offices held in the class, school or church, 
and events which closely touch the life in either 
business or home. This record may be kept, not 
only during the active membership in the class, but 
throughout the years. Many classes have adopted 
the motto, "Once a member, always a member," 
and the secretary writes at least annually to all 
absent members. When answers are received a 
record may be made of the most interesting events 
in the biographical journal. A map may be pre- 
pared for the classroom showing the different 
places in which former members of the class are 
living. 

The 'secretary's reports should be made weekly, 
quarterly and annually. Comparative reports are 
helpful and stimulating. The annual report should 
be printed, if possible, and should give a detailed 
statement of the work of the year compared with 
previous years. The secretary should regularly 
furnish to the various committees and class officers 
such information as will enable them to do their 
work most effectively. As the membership of the 
class grows and the work of the secretary neces- 
sarily increases, it will be found needful to appoint 
assistant secretaries and divide the work. 

The secretary's records and reports should be 
made without confusion to the class or without 
trespassing upon the time devoted to the teaching 
of the lesson. 



44 



The Adult Bible Class 



The treasurer is the chief officer in providing 
funds for the class. He is more than a banker. 
He should, of course, conscientiously care for all 
funds received and make report whenever required 
by the class or school, probably weekly, quarterly 
and annually. His annual report to the school 
should give a detailed account of all moneys re- 
ceived and expended. He should insist that this 
report be audited in a businesslike way. If at all 
practicable, this report should be printed. He 
should become thoroughly familiar with the vari- 
ous benevolences of the class and church and seek 
to interest each member of the class in some one 
of these benevolences. Like the secretary, the 
treasurer should keep accurate and permanent 
records, and his work should be done without con- 
fusion to the class or infringement upon the study 
period. 

COMMITTEES 

The size of the class will largely determine the 
number of committees to be appointed and the 
duties to be assigned to each. The experiences of 
successful classes would seem to indicate, however, 
that the best life of the class demands three kinds 
of activities: those relating to the membership of 
the class, those relating to the social life of the 
class and those relating to the spiritual life of the 
class. It is therefore important that, at the very 
beginning of the organization, at least three com- 
mittees should be appointed to care for these three 
kinds of activities. As the class grows the duties 



Duties of Class Officers and Committees 45 



of these committees will increase and the work will 
need to be divided. This will necessitate the ap- 
pointment of various other committees, and under 
these three general heads of activities the following 
additional committees may be named: 

Membership. Attendance; Visiting, Lookout, Advertis- 
ing; Classroom; Ways and Means, etc. 

Social. Beeeption ; Literary ; Music ; Athletic ; Flower, etc. 

Devotional-Missionary. Prayer-Meeting; Evangelistic; 
Missionary; Temperance; Employment, etc. 

Two general committees should be appointed, the 
Executive, and the Ways and Means, or Finance, 
committees. 

The Executive Committee should consist of the 
chairmen of all standing committees, together with 
the teacher and class officers. The president of the 
class should be chairman ex-officio. The pastor of 
the church and the superintendent of the Sunday 
school should be members ex-officio. This com- 
mittee should have general supervision of all class 
activities and plans of work. 

The Finance Committee, aided by the treasurer, 
should provide funds for class work, interest the 
class in various benevolences and assume responsi- 
bility for providing ways and means for all class 
enterprises. In the discharge of their duties they 
should exercise great care that those who are not 
able to give liberally should not be made to feel that 
they are unwelcome because they cannot give more 
largely. 



VI 



CLASS MEETINGS 

THE SUNDAY SESSION 

It would be impracticable and unwise to attempt 
to suggest a model class program, but a few gen- 
eral observations may be made concerning it. It 
should be varied ; it should be carefully prepared ; 
it should include at least four elements: worship, 
instruction, fellowship and business. These should 
be introduced in proper proportion and in true re- 
lation to the chief purpose of a Bible class. We 
will therefore study the class session under these 
four divisions: 

Worship. — There can be but little real, effective 
teaching unless there prevails in the class the true 
devotional spirit. The prayers should be made to 
include all special needs. Requests for prayers 
should be encouraged; the sick should be men- 
tioned and the absentees remembered. One teacher, 
in speaking of this matter, says: " Names are men- 
tioned only when it is proper to do so. There is 
such a thing as ecclesiastical cruelty.' 7 

Good gospel singing is a great help in the de- 
velopment of a devotional atmosphere and is also 
a divinely appointed means for the expression of 
thanksgiving and praise. If the class has a room 
of its own, a class orchestra is a help; special 
music may be introduced, but congregational sing- 

46 



Class Meetings 



47 



ing is the best for enlisting the interest of all. 
A class song, written specially for the class or 
chosen by the class, is sometimes helpful. All 
songs should be chosen carefully; in making the 
selections both the day's lesson and the special 
needs of the class should be kept in mind. 

Whenever possible this service of worship should 
be held, at least in part, with the Sunday school. 
The first part of the opening service in any Sun- 
day school can be made interesting and helpful to 
both old and young. The mingling of the voices 
of the boys and girls with those of the men and 
women will greatly aid in increasing the true spirit 
of worship, and will also introduce the home atmos- 
phere. Unless the school can meet for a longer 
period than one and one quarter hours, this open- 
ing service should rarely exceed fifteen minutes. 
Every adult class should have at least from thirty- 
five to forty-five minutes for the study of the les- 
son and its own class work. 

Instruction. — Bible study is the chief work of 
the class hour. At least thirty minutes should be 
devoted to this purpose; nothing should be per- 
mitted to crowd or interrupt it. Current events, 
no matter how interesting, should not be intro- 
duced to the exclusion of a careful study of God's 
word. If it is the desire to interest the class in 
missions, teach the word, for it contains the inspi- 
ration and authority for missions ; if it is desired 
to interest the class and enlist them in the issues 
of municipal and national life, teach the word, for 



48 



The Adult Bible Class 



it contains the doctrines which will give to all men 
the wisdom and courage needed to solve every civil 
and social problem. It is most significant that, at 
the end of a generation of teaching temperance in 
the Sunday schools, the nation is having a great 
temperance awakening. 

Therefore the very heart of the Bible class is 
the thirty or forty minutes devoted to the teaching 
service. Plans for this period are accordingly of 
vital importance. Every member of the class 
should be encouraged to bring his or her own 
Bible, but every class should have Bibles of its 
own for the use of those who do not bring them. 
This is almost, if not altogether, imperative if real 
Bible study is to be secured. 

There are three ways to use the Bible practically 
every Sunday, viz. : By concert reading of the day 's 
lesson, by the reading of reference texts and by 
Bible marking. There is no better preparation for 
earnest Bible study, and no better way of intro- 
ducing lesson discussion than to have the entire 
class read the exact Bible words. Again, there are 
many who need this exercise as a help in learning 
how to use their Bibles. 

There are a variety of methods for conducting 
the concert reading. One of the most helpful is 
for the leader to read the lesson in questions, the 
class to read the answers. Matt. 25 : 14, 15, could 
be read as follows: 

Teacher. — "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man 
going ?? where? 

Class. — "Into another country." 



Class Meetings 



49 



Teacher. — "Who called his own servants, and delivered 
unto them ' ' what ? 

Class. — "His goods.' ? 

Teacher. — "And unto one he gave" how much! 

Class. — "Five talents." 

Teacher. — ' i To another ' ' % 

Class.— < ' Two. ' ? 

Teacher. — ' ' To another 9 7 ? 

Class.— "One." 

Teacher. — "To each according to" what? 
Class. — "His several ability." 

There are few, if any, lessons which do not yield 
easily to this method of reading. 

There is no better commentary upon the Scrip- 
tures than the Scripture itself. The wise use of 
reference texts is therefore of great value. It is 
well to give out these texts at the opening of the 
lesson hour, and then call for them as they are 
needed. 

Of course only the simplest methods of Bible 
marking can be used in the average Bible class. 
Brief outlines, which can be copied in the Bible 
margin, may be placed on the blackboard, or the 
suggestion may be made that certain words are 
"key" words, and might be underlined. 

Among the various methods of teaching the 
lesson, the discussion method is by far the most 
popular. The lecture method is valuable, but, if 
used exclusively, does not secure the active partic- 
ipation of the class. The story method very 
profitably supplements, and strongly enforces, the 
lesson. The question method is the most valuable, 
as it is the one which will most surely secure les- 



50 



The Adult Bible Class 



son discussion. Two suggestions may be made as 
to the use of questions in adult classes. (1) Ask 
the questions of the entire class, permitting volun- 
teers to answer them. Many will be frightened 
away if they think they will be asked questions. 
(2) Ask questions that awaken thought, rather 
than those that test the memory. For instance, 
in the lesson on ' 'The Talents, 77 the following is 
the sort of question that will awaken discussion, 
"Why did the 'one talent 7 servant hide his talent 
in the earth? 77 

There is some peril in the discussion method, as 
there are those who like to do all the talking, and 
will sometimes precipitate an argument that is not 
only undesirable, but positively hurtful. A wise 
teacher can easily avoid this peril, however. A 
difficult question propounded to those who like to 
argue will often stop the argument, or a question 
on some other phase of the lesson will usually 
divert the discussion into other channels and pre- 
vent argument. To prohibit all lesson discussion 
is far worse than to run the risk of an occasional 
disagreeable argument. 

The most successful classes are those which study 
the word of God in a practical, evangelistic man- 
ner. The average man believes the Bible to be the 
word of God, but he needs to know its truths bet- 
ter and to have them helpfully applied to his every- 
day life. The human heart is like the sea, never at 
rest yet constantly seeking rest. In the midst of 
the storm there is ever the still, small voice saying, 
"Peace, be still. 77 It is to him that every weary 



Class Meetings 



51 



heart needs to be directed. The Spirit led Philip 
into the desert to meet the eunuch, "and Philip 
ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the 
prophet, . . . And Philip opened his mouth, and 
beginning from this scripture, preached unto him 
Jesus." The great need and desire of everyone, 
whether recognized or not, is to see and know 
Jesus as a personal Saviour and Friend. The 
Bible class that studies the word of God in such a 
way as to reveal him will continue to grow and be 
an ever-increasing blessing to the world. 

The following class calendar for the first quarter 
of 1910, issued by the Busy People's Bible Class 
of the First Methodist Episcopal Sunday School, 
Xenia, Ohio, illustrates the fact that there are 
many methods that may be used in making the 
lessons interesting: 

A DOZEN WAYS OF TEACHING THE LESSON 

1. The Sermon Way. 

Jan. 2. John the Baptist's Text. 

2. The Doctrinal Method. 

Jan. 9. Temptation and Sin. 

3. The Manual Work Method. 

Jan. 16. Eishers of Men. 

4. The Blackboard Method. 

Jan. 23. The Beatitudes. 

5. The Question Method. 

Jan. 30. Some Laws of the Kingdom. 

6. The Old Way, " verse by verse. 99 

Feb. 6. The Lord's Prayer. 

7. Teaching by Parables. 

Feb. 13. The Kingdom First! 



52 



The Adult Bible Class 



8. The Unusual or Spectacular Way. 

Feb. 20. The Golden Rule. 

9. The Class Teaching Itself. 

Feb. 27. "What Is a Genuine Christian? 
(Answers first, from the Bible.) 

10. The Topical Method. 

March 6. Jesus the Healer. 

11. The Story with Its Moral. 

March 13. Two Mighty Works. 

12. The Lecture Method. 

March 20. Jesus ? Attitude Toward the Sinner. 
March 27. Class discussion of the lessons for the 

quarter. Members voting on the method of 

teaching each liked best. 

Fellowship. — A few minutes should always be 
given to welcoming the stranger and to introducing 
new members. The opening of the class session is 
the best time for this. New members should be 
formally introduced. Sometimes the new member 
is asked to rise when introduced to the class, while 
a member near by extends the class greeting and 
welcome. The entire class may stand during this 
service. A word of welcome should be spoken to 
the visitors by the chairman of the Reception Com- 
mittee, who in a moment can announce their names, 
addresses and the classes they represent, if they 
come from other Bible classes. At the close of 
the session a short time should be allowed to give 
the members the opportunity of greeting one an- 
other. Every member should be encouraged to 
select some one he does not know, introduce him- 
self and seek to make the visitor or new member 
feel at home. 



Class Meetings 



53 



Business. — The business of the class should be 
transacted as far as possible outside of the Sunday 
session. There are five items of business, however, 
which it is always necessary to care for on Sunday : 
the class records, reports, offering, announcements 
and distribution of supplies. These should be cared 
for with dispatch, in a businesslike way, so that 
they do not hinder the w^ork of the day nor tres- 
pass upon the teaching period. 

Business Meetings. — All officers and members 
of special committees should be expected to at- 
tend regularly the business meetings, and all mem- 
bers of the class should be earnestly invited. The 
business meetings should be held possibly once a 
month. They should be held at stated times, that 
the officers may plan their other engagements so 
as to be present. The best place for these meet- 
ings is the classroom. If the class has no special 
room, then a cozy church parlor or the home of 
some member may be used. These meetings should 
open and close promptly ; any other policy will de- 
crease the interest and destroy their usefulness. 
All meetings should run on schedule time; they 
should have and faithfully follow an order of busi- 
ness ; they should provide for a review of old plans 
and methods and the discussion of how to improve 
them; they should give opportunity for the pres- 
entation of new plans and methods of work. This 
discussion of methods may be stimulated by in- 
viting some one to make an address or read a paper 
on some phase of class work or report the work 



54 The Adult Bible Class 



of some conference, convention or other class. All 
business meetings should provide for reports of all 
standing and special committees. Last, but not 
least, they should be places of prayer. One of the 
greatest business meetings ever held in the history 
of the church was held in Jerusalem on the day of 
Pentecost: "And when the day of Pentecost was 
now come, they were all together in one place. 
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as 
of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all 
the house where they were sitting. And there ap- 
peared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as 
of fire ; and it sat upon each one of them. And 
they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and be- 
gan to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave 
them utterance." 

When the business meetings of the class are 
characterized by this spirit of prayer, there need 
be no fear that the plans made will not be wise 
ones and blessed of God. 

Meetings of committees should be called by the 
various chairmen as often as the work may de- 
mand. The work of the special committees is faith- 
fully to carry out definite instructions given by 
the Executive Committee, to consider and plan for 
the improvement of their work, to bring recom- 
mendations to the general committee and to make 
a full report of their work at each business meet- 
ing. So far as practicable all reports and recom- 
mendations made to the Executive Committee or to 
the class should be submitted in writing. 



VII 



CLASS ACTIVITIES 

The activities of an adult Bible class are of 
great value. 

1. They Interest Men and Women. — No one 

enjoys membership in a society that does noth- 
ing. There are fewer deserters from the army 
in time of war than in time of peace. The most 
difficult games are the most popular ones. Many 
additional evidences could be cited which reveal 
clearly that the service appeal is the strongest ap- 
peal to both men and women. 

2. They Intensify Bible Study. — As manual 
labor increases a man's appetite for bodily food, 
so Christian work increases his hunger for a knowl- 
edge of God's truth. Harvest hands need no arti- 
ficial stimulus for a physical appetite; likewise 
toilers for God do not have to hunt for spiritual 
appetite. Many a man cries for better food, when 
he really needs more exercise. 

3. They Deepen the Prayer Life. — Prayer to 
the soul is like breath to the body, essential to life. 
The man who works regularly will breathe deeply 
and well; likewise the soul that engages in sys- 
tematic Christian service will develop a healthy 
prayer life. The spirit of prayer will therefore 

55 



56 



The Adult Bible Class 



pervade the life of the Bible class whose members 
are busy doing real things for God. 

4. They Provide an Opportunity for an Ex- 
pression of the Impressions Received from Bible 
Study. — To teach the truth of God without lead- 
ing those who are taught unto practical obedience 
is to do them harm. Impression without expres- 
sion always means spiritual loss, while impression 
resulting in expression means character. The Bible 
is not merely to be studied devotionally ; it is also 
to be obeyed. 

It would be impossible to outline definitely suit- 
able activities for every adult Bible class. Local 
conditions in the various parts of the field will 
largely determine the most helpful activities. 
However, some general observations may be made : 

1. They Should Be Numerous and Varied. — 

Seldom, perhaps never, will one kind of work enlist 
the sympathies of every member of any class. Each 
kind of worthy work will naturally awaken new 
interest and enlist new workers. 

2. They Should Be Rightly Related to the 
School, the Church and the Community. — Two 

questions greet us on every hand : "Where shall we 
find the workers?" "What shall we ask them to 
do 1 ' ' The first question is asked when new phase's 
of Christian work are being presented, and the 
second when the advantages of Christian activity 
are being urged for adult Bible classes. A field 
of corn that needs cultivating and boys that need 



Class Activities 



57 



to be put to work make a fine combination when 
they are properly related one to the other. Other- 
wise both the field of corn and the boys must suf- 
fer. It is just as true of the adult Bible class and 
the community. Every community has its needs, 
and the adult Bible class should help to meet them. 

3. They Should Be Wisely and Thoroughly 
Distributed. — It is a serious mistake, and one 
easily made, to assign too many duties to one person 
or to one committee. An adequate, suitable service 
should be found for every member of the class. 
This can be done if the leaders of the class make 
it their fixed determination to do so. Because some 
member fails to do well one assigned task is not 
final evidence that he will continue to fail if given 
a work better adapted to his taste and ability. 

4. They Should Be Properly Proportioned. — 

Many men are found with an ambition to be bril- 
liant, but only a few are found with an ambition 
to be sensible as well as brilliant ; yet the men 
who are successful through a long period of years 
are those who are well poised. This is just as true 
of the classes which have long and successful his- 
tories. There are those who keep the various activi- 
ties so proportioned that the whole work of the 
class never suffers because of any one particular 
kind of work. Such a class may not dazzle with 
its brilliant success at any particular time in its 
history, but its work will be cumulative, effective 
and permanent. 



58 



The Adult Bible Class 



5. They Should Be Regular and Worth While. 

— It is a spirit, not a spasm, of service that is valu- 
able. This spirit cannot be secured except through 
the adoption of a program of real and helpful 
service. 

Any attempt to classify the activities of an adult 
Bible class must be arbitrary and somewhat un- 
satisfactory. Nevertheless, such an attempt is 
necessary in their study and in planning for their 
wise development and direction. A study of many 
of the most successful classes reveals the fact that 
in every case there are at least three kinds of 
activities, namely, those which relate to the mem- 
bership of the class, those which provide a social 
life for the class and those which develop a devo- 
tional life in the class. 

MEMBERSHIP 

Every class should conduct a constant and sys- 
tematic campaign to build up and maintain its 
membership. In no other way can it succeed in 
fulfilling the Great Commission. In conducting 
this campaign the following plans and methods are 
suggested : 

1. A Prospective Membership List. — Each class 
should have a carefully selected list of names, 
furnished by the members of the class aided by 
the officers and members of other departments of 
the school. These prospective members should be 
invited to all special occasions like Rally Day, the 
Christmas and Easter services and the annual class 



Class Activities 



59 



banquet. In this way many may be induced to 
join the class and become regular attendants upon 
its services. 

2. A Visitors' Record. — The names and ad- 
dresses of all visitors should be carefully secured. 
It has been found helpful to write to each visitor 
before the Monday night following his visit to the 
class, expressing the pleasure of the class at his 
visit and inviting him to come again. This letter 
may be signed by the teacher, the president, the 
secretary, any two or all three of them. The names 
of the visitors should be handed to the Visiting 
Committee, who should call upon them before the 
end of the week. If they are residents of the com- 
munity and not attendants at any other school, they 
should receive a cordial invitation to become mem- 
bers of the class. If they do not join the class at 
once, their names should be added to the pros- 
pective membership list. 

3. Advertise the Class and Its Work. — Any- 
one may discover the need of advertising by tak- 
ing the trouble any Sunday, on his way to the 
class, to ask the strangers he meets directions for 
reaching his own church. If they do not know the 
location of the church or the class, how much less 
would they know about the work of the class. 
Among the methods of advertising may be men- 
tioned letterheads, calling cards, post cards, invi- 
tation cards, printed programs for special days, 
notices in church and secular papers, bulletins, 



60 



The Adult Bible Class 



class calendars, blotters and class papers. The 
class name, motto and emblem should appear in 
all advertising, also the time and place of meeting. 

4. Personal Invitations. — There is no better 
method of securing new members than the old- 
fashioned one of going out after them and bring- 
ing them in. Two suggestions are offered in this 
regard: first, go after them one at a time; and 
second, go after them systematically. The failure 
of a great many classes in building up their mem- 
bership may be ascribed to the fact that they are 
always talking of the masses to be reached, and 
fail to seek out any individual and bring him into 
the class. Oftentimes, too, the failure may be 
ascribed to the fact that one or two visits are made 
and the workers become discouraged and the work 
is not followed up. In business life men are not 
so easily discouraged. Mr. W. C. Hall, president 
of the Indiana Sunday-School Association, tells of 
visiting a certain publishing house once every sixty 
days for five years without having been able to 
make a single sale. On the thirtieth visit he sold 
a carload of paper, and shortly afterwards this 
house began to make all its purchases of the house 
he represented, and continued to do so for many 
years after he had ceased to visit them. Similar 
perseverance will be found a virtue in winning 
men to the Bible class. 

5. Be Persistent in Reclaiming Absentees. — 

A good business man does not easily surrender a 
good customer, and a successful class will not easily 



Class Activities 



61 



take from its membership roll the name of one who 
has been a member of the class. Every effort 
should be put forth to bring back an absentee. 
Personal letters have been found helpful, but per- 
sonal visits much more so. In this connection it 
might be said an ounce of prevention is worth a 
pound of cure. The Membership Committee should 
be quick to observe the loss of interest on the part 
of any member, find the cause of it and seek to 
remove promptly the same before the member has 
entirely lost interest and drifted away. Often 
members are lost to the Bible class on account of 
real difficulties which, for a time at least, prevent 
their regular attendance. This is especially true 
where they are required to work on Sunday. 
"Whenever this condition arises the class should do 
its utmost to remove the difficulty, and where this 
is impossible, seek to transfer such names to the 
Home Department of the school, that they may be 
followed up and their interest in Bible study main- 
tained. This will usually insure their return to 
the class immediately upon the removal of the 
difficulty. In this work, patience and persistence 
are of the greatest value. A leader of one of the 
most successful adult classes was asked recently, 
"Do you retain a man as a member of your class 
if he comes only once a year?" "Yes/' he re- 
plied. Then he was asked, "Does this not greatly 
reduce your average attendance V ' "Well," said 
he, "I presume it does, but we are not working so 
much for average attendance as we are for men; 
and if a man comes but once a year he may be led 



62 



The Adult Bible Class 



to Christ on that day, or at least receive encour- 
agement and help in living a better life." 

6. Once a Member, Always a Member. — Many 
classes keep in touch with those members who have 
been called to other fields of labor. This does much 
to increase the value of class membership. It prac- 
tically insures that those who leave the class will 
unite with other classes. It strengthens the bond 
of fellowship ; it increases the interest of the class 
in the Christian work of other parts of the world 
and helps the cause of Bible study in many other 
ways. This plan can be maintained only through 
a faithful and systematic correspondence. 

The plan of having three classes of members is 
suggested, viz. : attending members, or those who 
are expected to be present regularly; honor mem- 
bers, or those who are teachers or officers in the 
Sunday school; and " away-f rom-home ' ' members, 
or those w T ho have moved to other places. 

Mr. Prank L. Wood, teacher of the Wesleyan 
Class of the Western Avenue Methodist Episcopal 
Church, Chicago, says in regard to his plan for 
carrying on this work : "I have two file boxes, one 
for unanswered correspondence and one for letters 
which have been answered ; the latter is alphabeti- 
cally arranged. When I have twenty-five letters 
in the 'unanswered' file, I dictate replies to one of 
our four young women stenographers (these are 
volunteer workers, members of the class), making 
memoranda of the date of answer at the head of 
each letter. This is then placed in the ' answered' 



Class Activities 



63 



file, and the previous letter from that member is 
destroyed. This leaves the last letter received from 
a member always on file. There is another filing 
case which is very sacred to me; it contains the 
last letters from those who have ' gone before. ' ' ' 
The class which Mr. Wood teaches is thirty-two 
years old. Sixteen years ago it was reorganized, 
and since that time, out of a total enrollment of 
six hundred and fifty, the class has lost track of 
only twenty members. 

SOCIAL 

Men and w r omen are social, and this side of their 
lives needs to be considered carefully and satisfied 
properly. Many young men and young women are 
left to find their own pleasures without the guid- 
ance or supervision of a Christian home or a Chris- 
tian church. Often, against their better judgment, 
they drift into questionable amusements that lead 
them into an openly sinful life, all because of a 
lack of guidance at the proper time. The leisure 
time of young people is always the time of great- 
est peril. Unwholesome social alliances have 
caused the downfall of many an individual. On 
the contrary, wholesome social influences have 
brought happiness and prosperity to a great mul- 
titude. It is therefore evident that social life is 
not merely a means to an end. Christianity will 
not be universally triumphant until it dominates 
the play life, as well as the prayer life of the 
world. It is accordingly imperative that the 
church shall "go up and possess' 7 this land of 



64 



The Adult Bible Class 



social life. The Bible class is endowed with pecul- 
iar opportunities to help in this work. The fol- 
lowing suggestions are offered: 

1. Welcome all Visitors. — The most lonesome 
place in the world is in a crowd by oneself. It 
is easy for the members of the class to be so in- 
terested in visiting with each other that they will 
neglect to welcome the strangers. "Did you notice 

Mr. R to-day?" said the chairman of a social 

committee to his teacher at the close of the class 
session. "No," replied the teacher, "but why?" 
"Oh," said the chairman, "we certainly had a 
time making him feel at home. ' ? The teacher went 
home happy because the Social Committee had so 
fully apprehended its work of making the visitor 
feel at home. 

Members of an adult class should always re- 
member that they are keeping house for God when 
in his church, and at least accord the same cour- 
tesy to the visitors there as they would accord a 
visitor in their own homes. However strong the 
desire may be to visit with one another, they should 
practice enough self-denial in this regard to make 
every visitor feel thoroughly welcome and at ease. 
Nothing that can be done will more incline a 
stranger to return to a class and become a mem- 
ber of it than a cordial welcome upon his first visit. 

2. Introduce New Members. — A simple public 
service is suggested. The chairman of the Mem- 
bership Committee, or other appointed officer, 
might — at the proper time- — announce the names 



Class Activities 



65 



and addresses of the new members. The president 
of the class might then introduce them and ask 
them to rise. When they respond to this request, 
the whole class should rise to receive them. This, 
or some other simple method, will serve to make 
known the names of new members, and contribute 
toward cordial introductions at the close of the 
class session. It is fatal, however, to be over- 
cordial on the Sunday a new member joins the 
class, and forget him the following Sunday. 
Cliques should be unknown in an adult Bible 
class. The friendship circle should easily widen 
so as to include every new member in its Chris- 
tian fellowship. 

3. Hold Class Socials. — Two principles seem to 
be fundamental to a successful class social. First, 
they should be helpful to others than class mem- 
bers, and second, they should be educational as 
well as humorous. There are nearly always those 
who can be invited to any class social. A recep- 
tion might be given to a visiting missionary or 
other guest; the students of some school or col- 
lege might be invited, especially if they board in 
the vicinity of the place at whch the class meets; 
or other persons may be found who would enjoy 
a pleasant social gathering. It might be well to 
have a class social occasionally, to which a "ticket 
of admission" is given some person not a mem- 
ber of the class. It is easy to make the social edu- 
cational by introducing music, discussion of some 
current topic, or some literary feature. 



66 



The Adult Bible Class 



The number of socials a class should hold is 
difficult to determine. So much depends upon the 
number of adult classes in the school and the gen- 
eral social life of the church and community. 
Four socials a year are suggested, one of these to 
be the annual class supper or banquet. 

4. Hold an Annual Class Banquet. — By care- 
ful and thoughtful planning, this may be made a 
most delightful and profitable function in the life 
of the class. It may become to the class what com- 
mencement is to the college. As a help in making 
it such the following suggestions are offered: (1) 
Plan to have it at a regular time each year. This 
will eventually win for the class the " right of 
way/' and avoid conflict with other events. (2) 
Invite all those who have been members of the 
class, no matter in what part of the world they 
may be living. The invitations should be sent out 
long enough in advance so that all who wish to 
come may have time enough to plan to do so. The 
invitation should ask for messages from all those 
who cannot attend. (3) Invite all prospective 
members. There are few, if any, better opportuni- 
ties to win them as class members. (4) Do not 
practice extravagance, but provide a good meal, 
and decorate beautifully the table and banquet 
room. Combinations of the adult Bible class colors, 
red and white, produce a fine effect. (5) Prepare 
a program as good as a college or high school com- 
mencement. Nothing is too good for an adult Bible 
class. 



Class Activities 



67 



5. Class Debates. — There are a great many cur- 
rent topics of vital interest to the members of adult 
Bible classes. These should not displace the study 
of the regular lesson on Sunday, but their study 
may be most profitably introduced through a series 
of class debates. This will give opportunity for 
the discussion of these most helpful and interest- 
ing themes, and it will also prove a means of intel- 
lectual development greatly appreciated, especially 
by young men. 

A topic of special interest may be selected for 
debate by the members of different classes of the 
same community or city. The winners of the dif- 
ferent classes may be brought together until some 
one class wins the honors of the season. In some 
places these debates have been exceedingly helpful 
in the education of young men and women, as well 
as a means of interesting them in higher and bet- 
ter things. 

One class reports the organization of a complete 
city council and the election of a mayor. They 
meet regularly for the discussion of all city prob- 
lems and have appropriated millions of dollars for 
the improvement of parks and public buildings, 
and other public utilities. This plan necessarily 
leads to a close study of parliamentary law as well 
as of the particular problems which confront their 
municipal life. 

6. Lecture Courses. — It is entirely within the 
province of an adult Bible class to plan for a series 
of most entertaining and interesting lectures. One 



68 



The Adult Bible Class 



men's class has been quite successful in arranging 
lectures for the boys of the Intermediate Depart- 
ment. Still others provide musical and literary 
entertainments to which all members of the church 
and community are invited. This is not only a 
means of developing the social life, but, if properly 
conducted, it is a means of advertising the church 
and bringing many into its membership. 

7. Athletics. — Once the world had complete con- 
trol of all athletic amusements that helped or inter- 
ested young people. The adult Bible class may 
do much to regain for the church that which has 
been from the beginning its rightful heritage. 

Among the forms of athletics which have been 
found helpful and are being largely used through- 
out the country by adult Bible classes and other 
forms of Christian organizations are: baseball, 
tennis, basket ball, indoor ball, hockey, bowling, 
etc. It has been found necessary, however, in the 
use of athletics to have a few carefully prepared 
rules which should always be rigidly enforced. In 
Chicago, where Sunday-school athletic work has 
been so successfully developed, the following rules 
have been adopted: 

Any individual desiring to represent his or her Sunday 
school in individual or team contests must have been a mem- 
ber of the school from which he registers for a period of 
one month previous to making application. 

Said application must be in writing and accompanied by 
a registration fee of twenty-five cents. 

Said application must bear the indorsement of the pastor 
or superintendent of the Sunday school. 



Class Activities 



69 



Eligibility to represent a Sunday school can be maintained 
only by attendance through the entire session of the Sun- 
day school, not less than two Sundays each month. 

Application or registration in this association shall be con- 
sidered to indicate a willingness to abide strictly by the 
rules which govern this association. 

The use of tobacco, intoxicating liquor, obscene or profane 
language by any of the contestants in any event under the 
jurisdiction of this association, or the engaging in any kind 
of athletic sports on the Sabbath day, shall render at once 
such persons ineligible and subject to suspension by the 
Executive Committee. 

8. Reading Room. — Whenever a church has a 
room that can be devoted to this purpose it has been 
found exceedingly helpful to have it fitted up and 
always open for the use of young men. It should 
be furnished with pictures, maps, mottoes, com- 
fortable chairs, desk, writing material, books, mag- 
azines, papers, games of various kinds, telephone; 
anything, in fact, that would make the room at- 
tractive to young men. This may be the same room 
that is used for class purposes on Sunday. 

DEVOTIONAL-MISSIONARY 

Christian character not only finds its best ex- 
pression in Christian conduct, but its best develop- 
ment as well. The devotional life of the individ- 
ual, likewise of the class, is wholly dependent upon 
the spiritual life. The chief goal of every adult 
Bible class should be the development of a deep, 
healthy, spiritual life upon the part of all of its 
members. If this is neglected, the class is in 
danger of becoming a mere social club, and this 



70 



The Adult Bible Class 



means failure. "For what is a man profited, if 
he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his 
own life?" Again, every form of class activity 
depends for its success upon being permeated and 
dominated by a wholesome spiritual life. Food 
gives strength for exercise, and exercise gives ap- 
petite for food. Christian service, likewise, de- 
velops the spirtual life, and spiritual life gives 
strength for Christian service. This is why many 
forms of class activities are discussed under the 
general theme "Devotional-Missionary." Included 
under this general heading we may note the fol- 
lowing : 

1. Cultivate the Prayer Life. — Many of the 
most successful classes hold a prayer meeting 
regularly each Sunday morning. This is usually 
held just before the Sunday school or preaching 
service, and is simple, brief, but helpful. At this 
meeting the special needs of the church, the school, 
the community, the class and the members of the 
class should be remembered. The greatest infor- 
mality should be observed, special requests for 
prayer should be encouraged, and everything pos- 
sible should be done to make the meeting a spiritual 
uplift to those present. It is also well to hold 
special prayer services in the homes or rooms of 
class members. Many a young man or young 
woman may be helped through a difficult experi- 
ence, or aided in resisting some temptation by 
such a service held in his or her room. Again, 
special prayer circles should be encouraged, viz. : 



Class Activities 



71 



small groups covenanting together to pray regu- 
larly for specific things which they desire to see 
accomplished. Indeed every possible effort should 
be made to teach all the members of all our classes 
how to pray. 

2. Devotional Services in the Class Session. — 

These should be carefully and wisely planned, all 
the more so because the time is limited. When the 
Master was on earth he made the promise, "But 
the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, he . . . shall 
teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance 
all that I said unto you." This promise should 
not only be remembered, but realized upon when 
we come to the study of God's word. The songs 
sung, the Scripture read or recited, as well as the 
prayers offered, should deepen the sense of de- 
pendence upon the Holy Spirit for guidance in the 
study of the lesson of the day. Special requests 
should be encouraged, and special needs should 
be remembered in the class prayers. 

3. Encourage the Members of the Class to At- 
tend the Regular Prayer Services of the Church. 

— A record of those who do attend, carefully fol- 
lowed up by a word of commendation to those who 
go and a personal invitation to those who do not, 
will help. Some classes have found it well to meet 
in their classrooms and then go into the prayer 
meeting in a body. If a class is asked occasionally 
to be responsible for the prayer services, it will 
bring out some who would not otherwise go, and 
they may thus form the habit of coming regularly. 



72 



The Adult Bible Class 



4. Seek Systematically to Secure the Attend- 
ance of All the Members of the Class at the 
Regular Preaching Services. — The Bible class ses- 
sion cannot and should not take the place of the 
public worship. A revival in this direction is 
greatly needed^ and the Bible classes should set 
themselves the task of bringing it to pass. 

5. Lead the Class Into a Program of Christian 
Service that Will Enlist the Best Ability of Each 
Member. — Every member a leader in some form of 
good work, and a " booster" of every kind of 
good work should be the goal of every class. When 
this goal is reached it will mean much to the spirit- 
ual life of the class. To guide the classes to a pro- 
gram of service that is sane and well proportioned, 
an International Standard of Service has been 
adopted. These are the six points of the standard : 

1. Increase. An annual increase of membership of some 
per cent. This may be accomplished through the organiza- 
tion of other classes or the establishment of community 
extension classes. 

2. Bibles. Bibles used in the classes. 

3. Missions. A definite contribution to Missions. 

4. Training. Eepresentation in Teacher Training, Study 
Class or Reading Course, with a view to larger service. 

5. Soul Winning. Personal Evangelism. 

6. Community Work. Some other Definite Christian 
Work in the community. 

Increase. — "Of the increase of his government 
and of peace there shall be no end." Isa. 9 : 7. The 
immediate and imperative obligation resting upon 
every adult class is to win men and women to Bible 



Class Activities 



73 



study and to Christ. The average membership of 
the classes receiving International Certificates of 
Recognition was, at the time of registration, a little 
less than thirty. This being true, most classes 
should increase their membership. Where classes 
cannot, or should not, increase their membership, 
provision is made that this point may be met by the 
organization of other classes. These may be com- 
munity extension classes, organized in shops or 
factories, or classes organized in their own or other 
Sunday schools. The true devotional spirit in- 
cludes a passion to win the world. A constant 
prayerful effort to win the world develops the de- 
votional spirit. 

Bibles Used in Class. — "Every scripture in- 
spired of God is also profitable for teaching, for re- 
proof, for correction, for instruction which is in 
righteousness : that the man of God may be com- 
plete, furnished completely unto every good work." 
II Tim. 3 : 16, 17. The men of deep spiritual life 
and power are the men who know God's word and 
whose lives are patterned after its standards. It 
should therefore be the constant purpose of every 
class to lead its members into an obedient knowl- 
edge of the Bible. The use of the Bible in the 
class will help to familiarize men with it, and en- 
courage them to study it at home. The Pocket 
Testament League 1 has been found a valuable 
means of enlisting men and women in daily Bible 

1 Send for full information to Koom 129, Witherspoon 
Building, Philadelphia. 



74 



The Adult Bible Class 



study. The daily readings are specially helpful to 
those using the International Uniform Lessons. 
The adult Bible class that is faithful to the Book, 
permitting nothing to become a substitute for it, 
allowing nothing to trespass upon the time for its 
study, and succeeding in interesting its members 
in a systematic home study, will be the class most 
full of life and spiritual power. The word is 
also the most attractive subject of study. Its store- 
house of truth is exhaustless and its teachings are 
eternal. "The Bible is a perfect chart in which 
every exigency of the Christian mariner has been 
anticipated. Every rock, every sand bank, every 
shoal, every strand, every island, has been care- 
fully noted down." Its study is a preparation 
for permanency. 

Definite Contribution to Missions. — "Go ye 

therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, 
baptizing them into the name of the Father and of 
the Son and of the Holy Spirit : teaching them to 
observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: 
and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end 
of the world. " Matt. 28 : 19, 20. The value of con- 
tributions to specific work is too well known to need 
demonstration. All such contributions should, of 
course, be made through the missionary board of 
the church to which the class belongs. There are 
many definite things to be done in mission fields, 
which can be supported by an annual contribution 
of from five or ten dollars up to the largest amount 
any class can afford to give. The letters, pictures 



Class Activities 



75 



and news of the work that will come back to the 
class will increase the interest, enlarge the contri- 
butions and create within the class a missionary 
atmosphere that cannot otherwise be produced. 
The doing of missionary work is the finest sort of 
missionary education. Where the missionary spirit 
has been most healthfully introduced, there will 
always be found the highest spiritual and devo- 
tional life. The heart is the healthiest that sends 
pure, red blood to the extremities of the body; 
likewise, the adult class that sends the gospel to 
the ends of the earth will have the finest life. The 
definite contribution to missions, made by the class 
through the regular channels of its church, will 
become the leaven that will interest the entire class 
in world-wide Christian conquest. 

Training. — The adult Bible classes are full of 
undiscovered and undeveloped talent. Teacher 
and officers alike should be alert to discover and 
train all who are capable of becoming leaders in 
the Master's work. The following methods have 
been found valuable: 

Appoint one or more of the class each Sunday to 
act as supply teachers on the succeeding Sunday. 
This will be a help to the Sunday school, and in 
this way discovery will be made of the so-called 
"born" teachers. 

Enlist as many of the class as possible in the 
reading of the books of the International Adult 
Bible Class Reading Course. From year to year 
the course is being revised and enlarged. A letter 



76 



The Adult Bible Class 



addressed to any denominational publisher will 
bring information concerning names and prices of 
books. 

Organize and conduct a mission study class. 

When any member of an adult Bible class has 
been found who is willing to take a training course, 
he should be encouraged to enter a training class. 
He can still hold his membership in the adult class 
and continue to share in the social and service life. 

Personal Evangelism. — "And they that are wise 
shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and 
they that turn many to righteousness as the stars 
for ever and ever." Dan. 12: 3. "Every adult a 
member, and every member a Christian/' should 
be the definite aim of every class. What shall it 
profit a class if it should gain the whole com- 
munity to its membership and they be not led to 
accept Christ as a personal Saviour? The Devo- 
tional Committee should form themselves into a 
personal workers' band or secret service league, 
and meet regularly for conference and prayer for 
the unsaved of the class. They may meet with 
profit for a study of such books as "Taking Men 
Alive," and by study and practice become thor- 
oughly equipped to assist in all kinds of evangel- 
istic meetings, and for personal work everywhere. 
"He that winneth souls is wise." 

SECRET SERVICE PLEDGE 

1. I pledge to pray for the unconverted members of our 
Bible class every day at noon, or as soon thereafter as I 
remember this pledge. 



Class Activities 



77 



2. I pledge to make a list of those to whom I will speak, 
and to work and pray for them. 

3. I will meet the secret service members once a month 
and pray aloud with them, and do all in my power to help 
bring members to Christ within the next six months. 



Dated 

Community Work. — "But be ye doers of the 
word, and not hearers only, deluding your own 
selves. ' ' James 1 : 22. A young man was asked 
by an old man if he had as much sense as a spider. 
Puzzled by the question, the young man asked that 
it be interpreted. "Well," said the old man, "a 
spider begins to spin its web in the fence corner 
where it lives." This is the obligation of every 
adult Bible class. The impulse that sends gifts to 
the Chinese abroad, and neglects the Chinese 
laundryman in the next block, is neither wholesome 
nor complete. The impulse that begins with the 
task at hand, and works out to the uttermost part 
of the earth is both wholesome and complete. The 
tasks which a class may undertake are almost in- 
numerable. 

The following may be suggestive: 

Secure the attendance of the members of the 
class at the regular preaching services of the 
church. It will always be a blessing to the class 
and will be a great help to the church. 

Encourage the members of the class to attend the 
mid-week prayer services. 

Give hearty support to all regular church enter- 



78 



The Adult Bible Class 



prises. The adult classes should be good "boost- 
ers. ' ' 

Help systematically to secure employment for 
the unemployed. 

Visit and render needed help to the sick and 
the poor, both within and without the class mem- 
bership. 

Investigate and seek opportunity to help every 
public charity found to be worthy. 

Discover and develop leaders for other Bible 
classes. 

Study community conditions unfavorable to boy 
and girl life, and seek to remedy the same. 

Endeavor to provide for the boys and girls of 
the community a wholesome play life. 

Be the "big brothers" and "big sisters" to 
boys' and girls' Bible classes, by providing teach- 
ers for them when needed, and by helping them 
to an adequate equipment. 

Organize and conduct community extension 
Bible classes in shops, factories and other indus- 
trial centers. The International Y. M. C. A. has 
a list of one hundred kinds of places where they 
are now conducting Bible classes. Every adult 
Bible class situated near an industrial center should 
have at least one community extension class. 

Give to the Sunday school, and to the Sunday- 
school movement, hearty and intelligent support. 
The Sunday school is the chief agency of the 
church for religious education, and, as such, chal- 
lenges the loyalty of every Christian and of every 
patriot. 



VIII 



INTER-CLASS ACTIVITIES 

In every city, town and community there are 
common tasks which can be done effectively only 
by classes working cooperatively. Indeed there are 
many kinds of work which cannot be accomplished 
at all by classes working separately. "No man 
liveth unto himself"; likewise no adult class can 
live unto itself. 

Whenever there are a sufficient number of or- 
ganized adult Bible classes in a township, city or 
county, it is recommended that an Adult Bible 
Class Federation be formed. Experience has re- 
vealed three principles which are essential to large 
success. 

1. The plan of organization should be simple 
and flexible. 

2. The federation should be a definite part of 
the township, city or county association, bearing 
the same relation to it that the organized class 
bears to the Sunday school of which it is a part. 

3. The membership of the federation should be 
comprised of organized classes only. Note : At the 
meeting of the International Executive Committee 
in August, 1909, it was voted to issue an Associate 
Adult Bible Class Certificate to Community Ex- 
tension and T. M. C. A. classes, which attained 
the international standard of organization, and yet 

79 



80 



The Adult Bible Class 



could not be definitely connected with any one 
Sunday school. This action was taken so that 
classes which could not become a part of some 
Sunday school might participate in the work of 
federations. 

SUGGESTIVE CONSTITUTION 

1. Name. This organization shall be known as the.... 
(County, City or District) Adult Bible Class Feder- 
ation. It shall be auxiliary to the (County, City 

or District) Sunday-School Association. 

2. Object. To unite all the organized Adult Bible 

Classes of (County, City or District) in an 

effort to improve and extend Adult Bible Class work, in- 
terest men and women in Bible study, enlist them in 
definite philanthropic, benevolent, evangelistic and mission- 
ary service. 

3. Motto. "We're in the King's Business. ?? 

4. Membership. Any Adult Bible Class organized ac- 
cording to the International Standard and having received 
an International Certificate of Eecognition is regarded as 
a member of this Federation and is entitled to representa- 
tion in all conferences and to share in all privileges of the 
Federation. Sunday-school superintendents and pastors are 
ex-ofiicio members. 

5. Officers. The officers of this Federation shall con- 
sist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treas- 
urer and an Executive Committee. The Executive Com- 
mittee shall be composed of the officers and 

other members, not more than one of whom shall be from 
any one Bible Class and not more than three of whom 
shall be of the same denomination. The President of the 
Federation, when chosen, shall become a member of the 

Executive Committee of the (County, City 

or District) Sunday-School Association. At least two mem- 
bers of the Committee shall be chosen by the Annual Con- 



Inter-Class Activities 



81 



vention or the Executive Committee of said Association 
from their own Executive Committee. 

6. Meetings. The annual meeting of the Federation 
shall be held in connection with the annual convention of 

the (County, City or District) Sunday-School 

Association. Each Bible Class in the Federation shall be 

entitled to delegates. The appointment of 

delegates shall be in writing, duly certified by the Super- 
intendent of the Sunday school they represent. Special 
meetings may be called by the Executive Committee at any 
time the needs of the work may demand them. 

FORMS OF ACTIVITY 

1. Promote the Organization of Other Classes. 

— The best work cannot be accomplished in any 
community until every church and Sunday school 
has its organized classes for men and women. Any 
class, working alone, can become a promoter of 
other classes, but the work can be more effectively 
done if it is carried on in an inter-church spirit, 
and through an inter-church organization. Teams 
can be organized to visit churches and conventions 
to present the work, leaflets can be distributed, 
correspondence conducted, conferences held and 
everything practicable done to advance the work. 
The aim of every federation should be at least one 
organized class for men and one for women in 
every church. 

2. Improve and Strengthen the Classes Already 
Organized. — Classes are measured by deeds, not 
merely by numbers. If the adult Bible class work 
is to continue to prosper, it must continue to im- 
prove. The officers, teachers and committeemen 



82 



The Adult Bible Class 



must be trained, and the wisest and best methods 
must be introduced. For this purpose the visita- 
tion of classes should be encouraged, and adult 
Bible class conferences held. The latter can often 
be planned most wisely as a section of a Sunday- 
school convention. Exhibits of programs, decora- 
tions, advertising and other printed matter have 
proven very helpful. Wherever an exhibit is 
given, samples of adult Bible class supplies issued 
by the Sunday-school publishers should always be 
included. 

3. Collect Statistics, Make Reports and Keep 
Permanent Records of the Work of All Classes 
in the Federation. — In no other way is it possible 
for the community to know the exact facts concern- 
ing the progress of Bible study in the community. 

4. Make Social Surveys of the Field Repre- 
sented by the Federation. — "Face the facts" was 
one of the slogans of the Men and Religion For- 
ward Movement. The adult Bible classes are espe- 
cially qualified to conduct surveys and. publish 
charts which will reveal facts necessary to be 
known, so that intelligent campaigns can be prose- 
cuted successfully. 

5. Inaugurate Plans for Class and Church 
Publicity. — There are many kinds of publicity 
which a group of classes can afford, which could 
not be afforded by any one class. In one city all 
the classes in the federation reported to the secre- 
tary on Sunday afternoon their attendance for that 



Inter-Class Activities 



83 



day, and this information was given to the Mon- 
day papers. Again, the federation might use a 
section of the Saturday papers to advertise the 
Bible class work, and put in fine print the names 
of the classes participating. 

6. Cultivate a Larger Christian Brotherhood. 

— Our foes are common foes, and they are both 
strong and united. They will not be vanquished 
until all Christians learn to work together. They 
will not be able to work together until they know, 
understand and trust each other. Adult class 
parades, banquets and other fellowship meetings 
contribute much toward mutual acquaintance. 
That which does most to strengthen the brother- 
hood tie is brotherhood service. Men who have 
served in the ranks in behalf of a common cause 
are always comrades. The harder the service, the 
more severe the struggle, the stronger the comrade- 
ship. 

7. Organize Community Extension Bible 
Classes. — Thousands of men and women are pre- 
vented by economic and industrial conditions from 
attending the Bible classes meeting on Sunday. 
Many shops and factories are glad to open their 
doors and welcome the organization of Bible 
classes, to be conducted at the luncheon hour, either 
at noon or at midnight. The men and women in 
these industrial centers are usually glad to co- 
operate. Indeed, this is a most promising field 
for Christian work. While a community extension 



84 



The Adult Bible Class 



class might be assigned to one organized class, yet 
the work must necessarily be carried on in the inter- 
church spirit, and should be directed by the fed- 
eration. 

8. Evangelistic Work. — Assist any general 
evangelistic campaign by helping to advertise it 
and providing trained personal workers; by win- 
ning to the Bible classes those who confess Christ 
and enlisting them in some definite Christian serv- 
ice. Union gospel meetings may be held Sunday 
afternoons, or at some other convenient time, in a 
suitable church or hall. 

9. Home Visitation. — The organized classes have 
trained workers qualified to lead and make effective 
a home visitation canvass. They also have perma- 
nent organizations which will enable them to fol- 
low up the same and reap the results which should 
be harvested. The federation or department is 
peculiarly fitted to unite the classes in this work. 
It is only possible to locate "the last person" and 
definitely seek to win him to the Bible class and 
Christ by systematic cooperative effort. 

10. Awaken a Larger and More Intelligent In- 
terest in World-Wide Christian Conquest. — Tides 
will lift loads that machinery cannot lift. Mis- 
sionary conferences may be held, the most up-to- 
date missionary methods introduced and many 
things done to increase the general missionary 
sentiment in the entire field. 



Inter-Class Activities 



85 



11. Social Service. — No company of men can be 
equipped better to study the community condi- 
tions and to unite the forces of righteousness in 
remedying 1 wrong conditions, than those men who 
compose the membership of our Bible classes. Al- 
ready the forces of evil are beginning to feel the 
power of this Bible class host. In a number of 
cities the Bible classes have aided materially in 
driving out the licensed saloons, and have fought 
successfully other forms of social evil. 



S7 



When a member of the Wesleyan Bible Class of the Western Avenue 
Methodist Episcopal Church, Chicago, moves from the city, his name is 
retained on the class list and he is called an absent member. The class 
keeps in touch with absent members through correspondence. They are 
scattered through forty states and in three countries. 

A map, a picture of which is here given, has been on the wall of the 
classroom for five years. Whenever a picture of the absent member can 
be secured it is reduced to postage-stamp size and placed on the map at 
his present location. When pictures cannot be secured the Interna- 
tional Adult Bible Class emblem is used- 



APPENDIX 



Printed Forms for Adult Bible Classes 

Live adult Bible classes take advantage of every 
opportunity to secure publicity. One of the most 
attractive exhibits at the Louisville Convention 
of the International Sunday-School Association in 
June, 1908 , was the display of printed matter found 
useful by adult classes in attracting and holding 
men. A few forms are added to this manual, in 
the hope that some of them may prove suggestive. 



V ARE f\ WILL BE T T 

I WANTED \J WELCOMED U 

TO THE 

BARACA BIBLE CLASS 

OF EDENTON STREET METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL 

An organized, self-governed class of young men, for Bible 
study and mutual help. Meets every Sunday morning 
at 9.30. COME 



JUST A MINUTE— 

Where are you going Sunday? If you are a stranger, 
or have no other engagement, come and spend the after- 
noon with the fellows of the Baraca Class of Calvary 
Baptist Bible School. Good songs; a good lesson ; and 
a hearty hand shake await you. 

44 THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU." 



91 



92 



The Adult Bible Class 



Mottoes for 1908 : 

Be regular in attendance 
Avoid harsh criticism — 

be lavish with prais* 
Help whoever, wherever 

you can 
Man forever needs aid 

from man 

The Brotherhood 
Class was organ- 
ized by men from 
all walks of life 
who have the . . . 

Push 

in them to make 
this the greatest 
organization of the 
kind in the West. 
Men, come and 
help us. It will do 
you GOOD .... 

Our Aims : 

To study the Bible 
To help, and foster Broth- 
erhood among men 
To assist every department 
of church work 



FROM O CLASS 23 
This Invitation is for Hegr* 

Not for some one older, nor younger, nor 
larger, nor smaller, not for the other 
fellow, nor the one with more 
time on his hands. 

IT IS GIVEN EXPECTANTLY TO m~ 

Centenary u. B. Sunday School 

South Second Street, below Swatara, Steelton, Pa. 



YOU 



Appendix 



93 



'A Sunday Well Spent 
Brings a 

Week of Content." 



If You Are Not a Member of Another Class 
YOU ARE INVITED 
to join 

THE FRIENDLY 
YOUNG MEN'S BIBLE CLASS 

of the 

FIRST UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 

Corner Gilbert and Fairchild Streets 
Danville, Illinois 



A WIDE-AWAKE CLASS 

Composed of Young Men, Married or Unmarried, between 
the ages of 16 and 35 years 

MEETS AT THE CHURCH 

Every Sunday Morning at 9.45 o'clock 
COME 

A Cordial Welcome ; a Good Seat ; Good Singing ; Mod- 
ern-Day Scripture Teaching ; Christian Fellowship. All 
are yours if you come. 



My Dear Miss — 

Your name has been given to me, that I might 
extend to you a cordial invitation to visit our Bible Class 
for Young Women which meets every Sunday at 12.10 
p. m. in the First Presbyterian Church, Twelfth and 
Alder Streets. We have a number of musical clubs, we 
care for our sick, seek employment for any who may need 
our help, and we entertain socially. May I look for you 
next Sunday? 

Very cordially yours, 

MRS. R. K. WARREN 

per Secretary. 



94 



The Adult Bible Class 



YOU R Invited to #T| the 




Men's New Movement 
BIBLE CLASS 

And see how it is conducted in a Twentieth Century Sun- 
day school. All Men, good or bad, sixteen years and up- 
wards, come enjoy the good music on the big pipe organ, 
and hear the Male Quartette in the most comfortable room 
in town. 

Every Sunday at 2 p. m., after June 1st at 9.30 a. m. 
Come and be one of us. 

H. J. SANDERS, Teacher, ^± REV. E.A.G. BOSSLER, Pastor, 
345 South Second Street 3 11 Walnut Street 

Centenary U. B. Church, S. Second Street, below 
Swatara, Steelton, Pa. 



A very cordial invitation is extended you to visit 

THE METROPOLITAN BIBLE CLASS 

METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL M. E. CHURCH, 
FOURTH AND C STREETS N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C. 

SESSION EVERY SUNDAY MORNING AT 9.30 



Should you desire to become a member, kindly fill out and 
return this card to the Chairman of the Member- 
ship Committee, Dr. S. Josephine Mace, 
701 Twelfth Street N. W. 

Name, 

City Address, 



Native State, Date,_ 



You are invited to visit our Young Women's Bible 
Class, which meets in the auditorium of the church, at 
12.10 p. m. Inspiring song service, led by a large violin 
club. 

Special talk by Mrs. R. K. Warren. 



Appendix 



95 



MEMBERSHIP CARD 

PROF. POWELL'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS 

" Search the scriptures ; for in them ye think 
ye have eternal life." 

44 Know the truth, and the truth shall make you 
free." 

44 Come now, and let us reason together." 

PLEDGE. I promise to attend regularly the sessions of 
the class unless unavoidably detained, and to do all I can 
to aid in making the class as helpful and profitable as 
possible. I shall try and secure at least one new member 
this year. 

Name 

Residence, Street No 

Date of Membership 

Recommended by 

Assigned to Division 




Dec, 1907 CLASS SEVENTEEN 

Enrolled, 100 

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 

E. A. Cole, Teacher WASHINGTON, Pa. Mrs. Etta Smith, Sec. 

N. M. Abbott, Pres. J. F. Bristor, Treas. 

Dear :— We have missed you from our class 

and I send you this reminder and also desire to say we are 
now organized as an Adult Bible Class and desire to make 
ours the largest Adult Class in the County. Will you not 
return and help to that end? 

We will expect to see you in your place next Lord's 
Day. Again earnestly and lovingly inviting you to return 
and help us, I remain, 

Sincerely yours, 



96 



The Adult Bible Class 



THE POWELL SUNDAY-SCHOOL CLASS 

IN 

EPWORTH M. E. CHURCH 

Marion, Ohio 



Weekly Report of Division 

For the Month ending 190 





I St 

Week 


2d 
Week 


3d 
Week 


4th 
Week 


5th 
Week 


Number Sick . . 
Number Sick Visited 
Visitors Brought by 
this Division . . . 

Visits Made by Mem- 
bers of this Divi- 

Number Invited'to 













Leader 



DIRECTIONS 

1. Each Leader will please make a record for each item on the report 
at the close of every session of Sunday school. 

2. Give the Secretary the name and address of any new member of 
your Division. 

3. At beginning of every session of the Sunday school report to the 
class the names of any members of your Division who are sick. 

4. Visit the members of your Division as often as possible. Be social 
and make strangers welcome. 

5. Study to help make the lessons and work of the class as interesting 
as possible. 



Appendix 



97 



"TAKE THE SUNDAY WITH YOU THROUGH THE 
WEEK AND SWEETEN ALL THE OTHER DAYS'' 



Nearly two hundred men are doing this every week by 
starting right. We invite you to try it with us next Sun- 
day by spending the hour from 2 to 3 in the 

YOUNG MEN'S BIBLE CLASS 

Derry Street United Brethren Church 
Corner Fifteenth and Derry Streets 

We're not boasters, but boosters ; not grumblers, but a 
happy bunch of optimists. Come see us " make good " 
next Sunday. 

" It hain't no use to grumble and complane ; 
It's jest as cheap and easy to rejoice. 
When God sorts out the weather and sends rain, 
W'y, rain's our choice." 

Sunday Afternoon, 2 to 3 O'clock Fifteenth and Derry Streets 

YOU'RE INVITED 



MR. 



THE POWELL S. S. CLASS 



Leader of Division No- 



Members will please make their report on the lines below in figures : 

Number of sick visited 



Number invited. 



Number calls 



Flowers taken. 



98 



The Adult Bible Class 



DO YOU NEED A MAN 

FOR ANY KIND OF WORK? 



FREE EMPLOYMENT BUREAU 



TWENTIETH CENTURY MEN'S BIBLE CLASS 
of the 

D FIRST CHRISTIAN ^ 
CHURCH V* 

OWENSBORO, KY. 
Do you need, permanently or temporarily, a 



CALL H. C. JONES, Home Phone 250 

or see him at his office, Cor. Fourth and St. Ann Streets, 
and he will put you in communication with a capable man. 

The Twentieth Century Men's Bible Class assists its 
members to find employment, and serves the public by 
maintaining this bureau free. 



CONDUCTED BY 



Clerk 
Salesman 
Teamster 
Mason 
Laborer 
Overseer 
Typewriter 



Book-keeper 
Electrician 
Factory Hand 
Machinist 
Smith 

Stenographer 
Etc., Etc. 



PLEASE POSUN PUBLIC PLACE 



Appendix 



99 




C/5 

w 

y 

E 

o 



Ui 
X 



■ Ui 



Ui 5 



<U < 

a = 

8 = 
>Q 



u Ui 

3 O 



U H 



100 The Adult Bible Class 



SOUVENIR 



The Second Annual Banquet 

OF 

THE MEN'S FEDERATION 

Ashland, Ohio, Thursday Evening, May 16, 1907 



THE GREAT BANQUET 

The Invitation.—" Behold, I stand at the door, and knock : if any man 
. . . open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he 
with me."— Rev. 3 : 20. 

The Time.—" Now is the accepted time ; behold, now is the day of salva- 
tion."— II Cor. 6 : 2. 

" Come ; for all things are now ready."— Luke 14 : 17. 
The Place. — " Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there 

am I in the midst of them."— Matt. 18 : 20. 
The Way.—" I am the way, the truth, and the life : no man cometh unto 

the Father, but by me."— John 14 : 6. 
The Guests. — Whosoever will, let him come. See Rev. 22 : 17. 

44 Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." — John 6 : 37. 
The Badge. — " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye 

have love one to another."— John 13 : 35. 
The Price.—" Come, buy wine and milk without money and without 

price." — Isa. 55 : 1. 

Jesus paid the price. See John 3 : 16. 

Warning !— " He that entereth not by the door ... but climbeth up some 
other way, the same is a thief and a robber."— John 10 : 1. 
44 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the 
kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in 
heaven." — Matt. 7 : 21. 

MENU 

Milk.—" Desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.'* 
—I Pet. 2:2. 

Water. — " Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall 
never thirst ; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well 
of water springing up into everlasting life." — John 4 : 14. 

Bread. — " I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me shall never hunger." 
— John 6 135. 

" Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth 

out of the mouth of God." — Matt. 4 : 4. 
Honey. — The judgments of the Lord are right. More to be desired are 

they than honey. See Ps. 19 : 9, 10. 
Meat.—" My meat is to do the will of him that sent me."— John 4 : 34. 

44 The kingdom of God is not meat and drink ; but righteousness, and 

peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." — Rom. 14 : 17. 
Fruit. —"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, . . . 

goodness, . , . meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." 

— Gal. 5 : 22, 23. 

Dessert. — He shall give to every man according to his works. See Rev. 
22 : 12. 



Appendix 



101 



THE PERRY 

BIBLE CLASS 



Meets Every Sunday Afternoon at 2 o'clock 
in Asbury M. E. Church 



ATTENDANCE CARD 
Everyone register on this card, as this is the only way 
of recording attendance of members or visitors. 

Name , 

ADDRESS 

If you are a visitor and not a member of any other 
School, you are invited to join ; if a member state what 
School in the space below. 

Use This Space for Suggestions 

Change of address ; positions wanted or open for others ; 
names of men to invite to Class ; sick, and information 
desired, etc., etc. 



ROLL CALL 

PLEASE FILL OUT AND HAND TO USHER 



Name Mrs.. 

Miss 

Address... 



Visitors please write FULL name and ADDRESS 

If you desire to join the Class, place an X in the upper right-hand corner 



102 



The Adult Bible Class 



Help Us Help Others 

CLASS SEVENTEEN-" Loyalty" 



Please give names of all persons whom you think this class should endeavor 
to win for its membership or help in its organized Work. 

Indicate with an X in the squares the reason £or-our visitation. 

These Persons Are Absent on Account Of: 



| SlcKneTaT^ ^Outj^Cityjj | Indifference j |""*Excuses | 



NAMES 



N« M, ABBOTT. Preaideat 



MRS. ETTA SMITH, Secretary 



JANUARY FEBRUARY 



MARCH 



APRIL 



6 1 13 | 20 | 27 I 3 | 10 | 17 | 24 | 3 [ 10 \ 17 | 24 [ 3) [ 7 | 14 | 21 | 28 



1907 

ATTENDANCE CARD 

'THE TRUTH SEEKERS" 

fiomewood Presbyterian Sabbatb Scbool 



Name. 



Address., 



27 | 20 | 13 | 6 j 29 | 22 | 15 j 8 | 1 1 25 | 18 1 11 | 4 I 28 | 21 | 14 | 7 



OCTOBER 



SEPTEMBER 



AUGUST 



JULY 



Appendix 



103 




104 



The Adult Bible Class 



BROTHERHOOD HYMN 
I 

Forward, Brothers, forward all, 

Heart to heart, and hand in hand ! 
Hear the Great Commander's call : 

Save the people, save the land I 
One the Father whom we love, 

One the Saviour, whom we trust; 
One in earth and one above, 

Father, Son and Holy Ghost ! 

II 

One the church whose name we bear, 

One the faith that we confess ; 
One the duty that we share ; 

One the promise we possess ! 
Bless our holy brotherhood, 

Spirit of almighty grace ! 
Seal our union in thy blood, 

Saviour of our fallen race ! 

Ill 

Fail we cannot ; though we fall 

Thousands rise to fill our place ; 
And our God is Lord of all, 

And our cause his righteousness. 
Earth and heaven our bond shall bind 

This our motto, brothers, be : 
Love and service of mankind, 

Love and service, Lord, of thee ! 

IV 

Sound the gospel high and far ; 

Far and high our banner wave ! 
Forward, not to slay and mar, 

But to pity, help and save ! 
Ho, young men, for ye are strong, 

Fill the ranks and forward move ! 
Forward all with prayer and song, 

Forward, all, in faith and love ! 

Brookcamp, Devon, Pa. 
December 9th, A. D., 1906. 

(Copyright A. D., 1906, by Henry C. McCook). 
Tune, Benevento or Messiah. 



Appendix 



105 



CLASS "C" SONG 



Music Selected. Words by Eurie M. Ayers 



Father, as here we gather in thy name, 

Touch every heart with love's own sacred flame. 

Deign at this feast our Blessed Guest to be, 

And may we love thee more, because of dear Class "C." 

CHORUS 

Oh ! bless us 

Dear Saviour ! 
And consecrate to thee, 
The life of every loyal girl 
In dear Class "C." 

Since we have learned to love thy holy word, 
Oh. may we gladly speed its message, Lord; 
Giving our goods and service unto thee ; 
So may thy blessing rest upon our dear Class "C." 

Wide o'er the fields the harvest ripe appears, 

We would be reapers for immortal years. 

And in the battle for the truth and thee, 

Lord grant a banner flag may float o'er dear Class " C." 



106 The Adult Bible Class 



WESLEYAN BIBLE CLASS SONG 

The Wesleyan Class was founded for the study of God's 
word ; 

And the teaching of its lessons many thousand souls have 
heard ; 

And the inspiration of it, scores of human hearts have 
stirred, 

Our class is marching on. 

CHORUS 
Rally, rally, to the Wesleyans ; 
Come and visit with the Wesleyans ; 
If you like us, join the Wesleyans, 
And we will do you good. 

Our motto, " Search the Scriptures," that we all may 
clearer see ; 

What our loved Redeemer's purpose is, concerning you 
and me ; 

And our object is to glorify the " Man of Galilee,'' 
As we go marching on. 

Time's lapse or stretch of distance, cannot break the tender 
ties ; 

Binding now our class together, everywhere beneath the 
skies ; 

From North to South, and sea to sea, the Wesleyan song 
shall rise, 

While we are marching on. 

When classmates are in darkness we will point them to 
the light ; 

Are they hard pressed in the battle, we will aid them in 
the fight ; 

And if wearied in the valley, we will lead them up the 
height, 

And still go marching on. 

— Frank L. Wood. 



Appendix 



107 



BROTHERHOOD HYrtN 



Words by Nolan R. Best 



Music by William P. Merrllf . 



1. Made of one blood with all oa earth who dwell, 

'1. Our El-der Broth - er to a mor-tal frame 

3. A • Didst the troub . led, grieving, o « ver- borne, 

4. With mourners mourn-ing, with the joy » ful glad; 



Born broth* era of 

His god • like glo 

A . mong the help < 

Par- tak • Ing of 



the 

less, 
the 



TT « - 

near and far as well, 
humbled and be • came 
bope.less and for - loin, 
hope the proph«cts had; 



53= 



The chil-drea 
The fel * low 
En • girt with 
Con • fid -» ing 



of one .sa»cred Fa * t her- hood. And 

of the poor, the sick man's aid, Pe> 

ill and pov • er • ty and pain, And 

in sal • va - .ion's wide in -crease; Fore* 



f r * r 



i 



7^ 



com -mod heirs of u . ni • ver • sal good, — < 

fense of weaklings, find-er of the strayed, 
bit • ter strife of greed for emp • ty gain,— 
see • ing God's good kingdom come in peace, 



Grant us, who bow, O Lord, be- 
Grant us to be, O Lor.d, dis« 
Give us, O Lord, the sight with 
■Give us, Lord, the heart, made 
I I I J. J* J J 



fore-Thy sov'reign face, 
ci • pies of His death, 
Christty eyes to see 
free from self- ish flaw, 
a. ! I I 



To learn with Thee to 
And breathe His love to 
The hid - den, soul-deep 
To keep toward Thee the 
A JSL _ . -ft 



love, our world en - circling race, 
men thro' ev • 'ry liv • ing breath 
need of men for us and Thee 
first, toward men the sec- ond law 



AUG 12 1912. 



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